Students are ready now to give advice about exploration vehicles in the Antarctic. Those vehicles need to accelerate on slippery surfaces, grip uneven surfaces, carry cargo, and stop safely. Students now know enough to give advice on designing with those needs in mind. They can advise about the pros and cons of continuous-stream versus early-burst propulsion, the need for some friction, the effects of tire tread, and weight needed for traction. They can also discuss how these relate to energy efficiency (knowing that more energy is often needed to provide more force). Many teachers have used this challenge as the final exam of this section.
The unit ends with discussion of students' advice to the Antarctic designers and class discussions on experiment design, communication, collaboration, design, iteration, and use of evidence to justify decisions.
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