Student Materials
Updated: 10. 06. 2008
Students investigate different materials and combinations of materials to minimize impulse.
Building Better Barriers
The original purpose of walls at race tracks was to keep the cars on the track and away from the spectators. While concrete works very well for preventing cars from getting into the grandstands, hitting a bare concrete wall is very hard on the driver, not to mention the car.
Look at the Momentum and Time episode of The Science of Speed video series for a video you can use in your classroom to introduce this topic.
Modules
Wall Evaluation Form (registration required)
Updated: 10. 06. 2008
You will need n times the number of students, where n is the number of trials you want each group to do.
Teacher's Guide (registration required)
Updated: 10. 06. 2009
Background Materials
Crew Chief Notes: The Science of Safety
Updated: 10. 06. 2008
Reviews different types of energy and discusses how they relate to safety.
Race Gear: Barriers and Sensors
Updated: 10. 06. 2008
IMPORTANT - this file explains how to set up the experiment.
