Engineering & Society Group Project
We designed an interactive toy car specifically for children aged 9-12, aimed at providing both entertainment and educational value. The car allows children to experiment with various components such as wheels, surfaces, and textures to observe how these changes affect the car's performance. By enabling them to swap out different wheel sizes, materials, and texture patterns, the toy encourages hands-on learning and experimentation.
This project introduces children to fundamental concepts in science and physics, such as friction, traction, weight distribution, and aerodynamics. By testing how the toy car performs on different surfaces (e.g., smooth, rough, or inclined), children can observe first-hand how these variables influence the car's movement. This interaction enhances their understanding of how friction affects speed, how traction improves control, and how different weight distributions impact stability.
Additionally, the toy car fosters problem-solving and critical thinking skills as children are encouraged to troubleshoot and adjust the car's design to achieve better performance in various conditions. Through this iterative process of trial and error, they gain valuable insights into the principles of engineering and physics, while developing a deeper curiosity about how everyday objects work.
Overall, this project aims to make learning STEM concepts engaging and accessible by turning abstract ideas into tangible, interactive experiences, laying the foundation for a lifelong interest in science and engineering.