Evil Knievel

By Philip Draviam  •

Grade Level
 9th
Subject Area
 Integrated Math & Active Physics
Duration
 250 Minutes
Background Knowledge
 Students should understand the relationship between force, mass and acceleration. They will use trigonometry and algebraic techniques to determine the horizontal and vertical positions of a launched object.
Author
 Philip Draviam
 
Summary

The Evil Knievel project is a multi-day activitiy which presents the students with the challenge of determining how far a stunt driver can jump, given the speed of the car and the trajectory of the ramp. Students begin by measuring the dimensions of the ramp, then applying trigonometric formulas to determine the angle of inclination. The students are then given the velocity of the stunt car, and determine the x and y velocity vectors using the same trigonometric equations as before. Further calculations lead to a theoretical value of the distance that the stunt car will travel. Once each team of students has completed their calculations, they are ready to plot the flight path for the vehicle and finally launch the stunt car. Students measure a distance from the launching ramp equivalent to their theoretical calculations, and then place the landing ramp at that location. If the stunt car lands on the ramp, it proves the calculations were accurate. This activity provides students with a practical application for trigonometry, solving equations, review of Newton's Laws and graphing
 
Objectives
1. Given a constant force with varying masses, the students will be able to apply Newton's second law to determine how the acceleration of the object is affected.
2. Using the trajectory and position equations, students will predict the distance and height traveled of a launched object within one foot.
3. After measuring the angle of inclination, the students will use trigonometric relations to understand how the angle affects the distance traveled.
4. Using graphing techniques, students will calculate and plot the height and distance at specific times.
 
Mateirals Required
Laptop, Projector, 5 minute video compilation, Hot wheel racecars, Track, Ramp, Launcher, Booster, Posts to elevate ramp, Individual folders, Worksheet 1, Worksheet 2, One sheet of graph paper per student, Worksheet 3, Two sheets of graph paper per student, Worksheet 4, Measuring tape.
 
Ohio Standards


Science Standards:

Physical Sciences

1. Demonstrate that motion is a measurable quantity
2. Demonstrate that any object does not accelerate
3. Explain the change in motion (acceleration) of an object
5. Demonstrate the ways in which frictional forces constrain

Science And Technology

1. Identify a problem or need, propose designs and choose

Scientific Inquiry

1. Construct, interpret and apply physical and conceptual models


Math Standards:

Measurement Standard

1. Use scale drawings and right triangle trigonometry to solve

Geometry And Spatial Sense Standard

1. Define the basic trigonometric ratios in right triangles
2. Apply proportions and right triangle trigonometric ratios to solve

Patterns, Functions And Algebra Standard

1. Simplify rational expressions by eliminating common factors
Documents
Lesson Plan worddoc