Energy systems

Energy Systems

Car turns: axles not parallel

Once students get their cars to roll, there are still likely to be some issues. A major one will probably be that many cars will not travel in a straight line. Ask students:

  • *If you’re pedaling a bicycle or tricycle, or pulling a wagon, what do you need to do to make it turn? *
  • *What has to happen for a wagon or tricycle to go straight? * Use charts to develop the idea that a vehicle will go straight if the two axles are parallel, and will go crooked if the axles are not parallel. See diagrams below.