This technology project is designed for those students at the grade 8 level. No machine skills are required to effectively run this project. The emphasis here is on design, construction and design modifications.

For years people have been racing one on one to see who had the fastest car and earn bragging rights.

One of the considerations that racers and their crews must consider is the friction between all the moving parts of the engine and, more importantly, the friction between the tires and the road. All racers' common goal is to reduce the friction as much as possible. But what if they could eliminate friction all together? Most likely they would destroy the competition. Is a "friction-less" vehicle a dream, or a soon to be reality?

Upon completion of this activity, the student will be able to:

• apply the design process to a problem statement
• produce graphic representations of their solution
• safely use associated materials and tools
• demonstrate an awareness of environmental concerns

Individually, design and build a wind-powered, themed mag-lev (magnetic levitation) vehicle.

• vehicle must have a distinct theme
• must be able to travel the length of a 17' track
• must be wind-powered and use magnetic levitation
• a design portfolio must be kept containing:
• 3 brainstorming sketches
• 1 final sketch developed from one of the chosen brainstorming sketches, showing details
• the final design must be approved by the teacher to ensure viability of design

Research:

• students should be encouraged to do preliminary research on relative subjects before beginning the design process
• topics include: magnetism, wind power, friction, etc...

To be included in the design portfolio:

• brainstorming ideas
• minimum of three ideas (students should be encouraged to record all ideas, even those that may seem impractical)

To be included in the design portfolio:

• development of the chosen solution that shows evidence of having been modified from one of the three original designs
• final formal drawing of solution with appropriate details

Students should be knowledgeable of the techniques required to build their vehicle, such as how to use a glue gun, cutting knives, etc...

Any students which wish to use more advanced techniques of building their vehicles should be encouraged to do so.

Students will be asked to evaluate themselves and their peers with an evaluation sheet, and by essay on why their solution did or did not work and how they may have improved.

Inviting administrative staff to the race and have them acting as a panel for marking, evaluating on the following criteria:

• construction techniques
• theme
• use of recycled products
• design process leads to final solution

The Race                                                                                                     50%

- where you placed determines your mark for this section

Design                                                                                                         30%

- originality of design

- sketches

- final drawing

Construction                                                                                                 20%

- theme evident?

- appealing to look at?