Gold Seal Lesson:
The Physics Of Automobile Safety

Copernicus Education Gateway

Subject:

Science

Grade:

9-12

ICLE Standards:

Physical Science - Develop an understanding of forces and motion.

Science and Technology - Develop abilities of technological design.

Performance Task:

Several principles of physics relate to automobile design and safety. Since engineers and technicians working in the design of automobiles must have safety as one of their major concerns, they must apply appropriate physics principles. The understanding of Newton's Laws is essential.

After you feel that you have an adequate understanding of Newton's Laws and other appropriate principles of physics, you are to work in a group and select a particular automobile safety device (e.g., seat belts, air bags, crush zones, etc.). The group is to research its design and development. Your group's task will then be to devise an appropriate method of modeling this device and testing the model. As you test the model, you should suggest improvements to your model and test the improvements if possible.

Each individual in the group will write a report that explains the scientific principles behind the functioning of the safety device and defends any proposed improvements.

Knowledge / Skills:

Plan and apply real or hypothetical models and constructions to facilitate investigation and learning and the solution to practical problems.  (s115)

Exhibit good data management skills by collecting, organizing, and graphing data.  (s19)

Understand and apply statics (i.e., the relation between forces acting on an object at rest) and dynamics (i.e., the relation between the forces acting on an object and the resulting motion).  (s84)

Participate, sometimes leading, in group meetings by contributing, taking turns speaking, and working toward a common goal.  (ela20)

Use writing as a tool for learning in formats such as learning logs, laboratory reports, note-taking, and journals.  (ela40)

Rubric:

4 Points  =  The student made significant contributions to the group, enabling the group to plan, produce, test, and evaluate a model of their chosen device. The final model produced was well constructed, functions efficiently, and represented an understanding of important physics principles related to automobile safety and design. The testing was appropriately conducted with evidence of good data collection. Proposed improvements are plausible. The student was able to express in good writing the principles behind the produced model and to defended the reasons behind any adjustments made.

3 Points  =  The student made limited contribution to the group process which assisted the group to some extent in planning, producing, testing, and evaluating the model of their chosen device. Although the final model produced worked, it was somewhat flawed and not too well constructed. It represented only some understanding of the physics principles behind automobile safety and design. Only minor evaluation and adjustment of the efficiency of the model was made. The student writing was incomplete and lacked good writing style.

2 Points  =  The student made very little contribution to the group process, having little impact on the final plan and design of the model. The model finally produced was crude and showed only a little understanding of Newton's Laws or other principles of physics behind automobile safety and design. Testing was inadequate and no plausible improvements on the design were made. The student writing was poor and indicated minimum understanding of the group's project.

1 Point  =  The student made no contribution to the group work. The model was crudely made and showed no real understanding of physics principles behind automobile safety and design. No evaluation and/or adjustment were made to the first model. The student writing was disorganized and had little substance.

Keywords:

PHYSICS
MOTION
NEWTON'S LAW
MODELS AND CONSTRUCTION
EXPOSITION

CHEMISTRY
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH                 
EARTH SCIENCE
SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY

Grades:

Kg [] - 1 [] - 2 [] - 3 [] - 4 [] - 5 [] - 6 [] - 7 [] - 8 [] - 9 [X] - 10 [X] - 11 [X] - 12 [X]

ICLE Application:

D

© 2000 International Center for Leadership in Education
1587 Route 146 - Rexford - NY - 12148
518.399.2776 Fax: 518.399.7607
123