Kindergarten Engineering Design Performance Task:
Build a Model Car - DRAFT
Science Standards
K.2P.1 Examine the different ways things move.
K.4D.1 Create structures using natural or designed materials and simple tools.
K.4D.2 Show how components of designed structures can be disassembled and
reassembled.
Learning Targets
๏I can describe the movement of different things.
๏I can create structures using simple tools.
๏I can identify parts of a designed structure.
Literature Connections
Treasures: Unit 3, Transportation
The Lazy Bear by Brian Wildsmith
FOSS Science Stories: Balance and Motion
Curriculum Connections
Lucy Calkins e-book: "Observing, Labeling, Listing like scientists" Investigations Math Unit 4: Measuring and Counting, Lesson 1.3
Key Vocabulary
axle - a rod that connects to wheels so they can turn
bearing - something on which other parts can revolve or rotate
chassis - the frame that connects the two axles and bearings
wheel - disc that turns on an axis
ramp - inclined plane that something can roll down
test - to check if a designed structure works
engineer - a person who designs, builds and tests things
model - something that represents a real object
Materials
plastic bottle caps or yogurt lids*° (4 per student), straws° (2 per student), dowels or
bamboo skewers° (2 per student), popsicle sticks° (1 per student), masking tape,
cardboard ramps (1 per group)
*A hole will need to made in the middle of the caps or lids for the dowels to fit through. You can use
an electric drill or nail and hammer. Make sure the dowel is snug in the hole.
°It may be useful to assemble a set of materials for each student in a plastic bag.
NCSD SCIENCE Build a Model Car GRADE K
December 2012
Instructional Suggestions
1. Read the “Rolling, Rolling, Rolling” section out of FOSS Science Stories: Balance
and Motion. This book can be borrowed from Meagan Sternberg.
2. Have students explore objects (cans, balls, toy cars, etc) rolling down ramps.
3. Read The Lazy Bear by Brian Wildsmith.
4. Investigate how using one block affects how far the toy car will roll compared to two
blocks.
5. Introduce the vocabulary using the photo cards.
6. Have students repeat the vocabulary words using choral response.
7. Model how to build the model car using the document camera.
8. Create a pictorial input chart to show the steps for building the model car.
9. Have volunteers work with groups of students as they build to help with putting the
wheels on the axles.
10.Have each student test her/his car on a ramp.
11.Have a copy of the labeled photograph for each group.
12.Teach students the ABCD protocol for creating scientific drawings using the
OBSERVATION DRAWINGS poster.
13.Have students draw an accurate, big, colorful and detailed picture of their model car
and label the parts: axle, bearing, chassis, and wheel.
14.Set up a class ramp and have each student test their car for the whole class.
Extensions:
•Use adding machine tape or paper to represent the distance of a cars after traveling
down the ramp. Use popsicle sticks to “measure” the distances using different ramp
heights or different model cars.
•Have students give a speech about their model car and drawing.
•Invite an engineer to come and speak to your students about career connections.
NCSD SCIENCE Build a Model Car GRADE K
December 2012
Name ___________________________________________________
Build a Model Car
Build a car that can roll down a ramp.
word bank
axle
bearing
chassis
wheel
Draw and label a picture of your car.
Did your car roll down a ramp?
NCSD SCIENCE Build a Model Car GRADE K
yes
no
December 2012
wheel
axle
cap
dowel
bearing
chassis
straw
stick
NCSD SCIENCE Build a Model Car GRADE K
December 2012
tape
ramp
cardboard
wheel
chassis
NCSD SCIENCE Build a Model Car GRADE K
bearing
axle
December 2012
wheel
axle
chassis
bearing
NCSD SCIENCE Build a Model Car GRADE K
December 2012
ramp
test
engineer
model
NCSD SCIENCE Build a Model Car GRADE K
December 2012
Steps for Building a Model Car
First, put 1 axle
through each
bearing.
Next, push 1
wheel onto the
each axle end.
Then, tape the 2
bearings to the
chassis.
Finally, roll your
car down the
ramp.
NCSD SCIENCE Build a Model Car GRADE K
December 2012
NCSD SCIENCE Build a Model Car GRADE K
December 2012