Driving SCIENCE STEM Activity 6Researching Energy

Safety FeaturesWith your team, read Seatbelts, Airbags, and Crumple Zones. Create a graphic organizer such as a web or chart in your notebooks to compare safety features that manage energy in an accident.

seatbelts airbagscrumple zones

Designing a Propulsion SystemJared was babysitting his younger brother. He wanted to find a way to entertain his brother to keep him happy. Jared’s little brother loves fast cars. Searching through his desk, Jared found a toy car, balloon, drinking straw, tape, and paperclips.

How might Jared use the materials to build a propulsion system to make the car move?

Drawing a PrototypeWithout taking the materials out of the bag, work with your team to:

• Brainstorm possible designs.• Agree on one design for the propulsion

system.• Make a drawing of the design in your

notebook.

Reflecting on Safety Features

• How might energy work in your balloon car?• What new information did you learn about energy

and car safety features?• Will what you learned make a difference in your

behaviors as a driver or passenger? Why or why not?

seatbelts airbagscrumple zones

Thanks to PDI2 partners who sponsored the development of this activity and provided professional development support:

American Honda Foundation

DuPontCU-ICAR

Safety-Kleen, EcoPowerFluor

United States Conference of Mayors

Thanks to race track partners who provided support for teachers:Darlington Raceway, Daytona International Speedway, Dover International Speedway,

Martinsville Speedway, and Richmond International Raceway

Copyright © 2015 Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina (SC).