Hill Quest

Eli Whitney Museum

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For School Groups

Description

Wheels, axles, chassis parts, connectors and rubber bands are the basic components of each kit that allows students to construct cars that sprint or creep to the top of a wooden ramp…jousting with another student’s car. Challenge: Beat your opponent to the top of the three foot ramp and hold your ground. The project tests all the dynamics of Force and Motion and tests planning and problem solving.

Meets Connecticut Science Standards

  • 4.1: The position and motion of objects can be changed by pushing or pulling.
  • 8.1: An object’s inertia causes it to continue moving the way it is moving unless it is acted upon by a force to change its motion.

Meets Common Core Standards

Long-term projects spark the melding of bookwork learning, practical application and creative genius. The “Rube Goldberg Challenge” and “Hill Quest” projects typically run for a few weeks from the time students receive their kits to the concluding event. The projects are open ended and teachers can vary the amount of classroom time dedicated to the project. Students enthusiastically apply science learned in the classsroom to these creative endeavors.

Simple Wedge

Simple Wedge

Four-Wheel Drive

Four-Wheel Drive


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