Launch the next

generation of
global problem
solvers.

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In racing, you
want to go as
FAST as possible.

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13
 In business, you
want to move as
MUCH as possible.

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Balance the Variables

Go as fast as possible carrying as much as possible.

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 Engineers Call This a Goldilocks Problem
You need the answer that is “just right.”

Goldilocks broke Baby

Bear’s chair. Papa’s
chair was much too
big, so Mama’s chair
was the best fit for
Goldilocks.

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Maximize Performance
 What’s your strategy?
How will you move a delivery
from warehouse to end user?

Power Drag Challenge

Find the “just right” weight that maximizes your score.
 Power Drag Challenge: Maximize the score.

What do we need to know?

total What can the
distance load car carry?

Track Length = 4.5 meters

L = 4.5 meters
Start Line (450 cm)

Finish Line
 Power Drag Challenge
Investigate: How does weight affect speed?

Add the 1st load Measure drive

Collect data
time in
to your car. seconds. for each trial
Calculate
score.
run.
Weigh your car Drive the
plus its payload. same load, Average drive
Plot scores
car & track on the class
times for each
in 4 or more graph.
trial run.
Weight = Car + Payload trial runs.

Change the load. Repeat.

Power Drag Challenge:

Maximize Your Time on Track

Use two or three tracks (450 cm each) depending on kit contents:

use 1 track for each car frequency (27 MHz, 49 MHz, or multi-step.)
Leave controller at the track for the next team.
Always turn off car when not on a track.
Start your car with the front wheel just behind the line.
Stop the timer as soon as your front wheel touches the finish line.
Measure the entire time the car is moving.
 Power Drag Challenge:
Track Team Scores on a Class Leaderboard

Leaderboards (Graphs) create a math model.

Y = Score

X = Weight

Find The Turn-Around Point

Find the Data’s Best Fit Curve
Total Car Weight vs. Average PowerF
Follow the scores to L = 180 inches,
450 cm On a parking lot
draw a smooth arc
4000

3500

through the data. 3000

2500

What is the most 2000

weight your car carries

1500

1000

before losing power? 500

0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Total Car Weight (ounces)
 450 cm
Engineers call this a
Goldilocks problem:
find the weight and
power that are “just
right” for the car.

What is the best

weight that also
gives the most
power?

It’s time to Drive with Data.

Measure the track.
Collect data.
Make decisions.

Find the best weight for your delivery vehicle!

Consider: Where should the weight be placed?
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TEAM Power Drag 1 U-Turn Pit Stops Prototyping Peripherals Teamwork Other TOTAL