Hill
Quest
Level: Grades 3 – 8
Wheels,
axles, chassis parts, connectors, rubber bands and mouse traps
are the basic components of each kit that allows students to
construct cars that sprint or creep to the top of a wooden ramp…jousting
with another student’s car
Challenge:
Beat your opponent to the top of the three foot ramp and hold
your ground. The project tests all the dynamics of Force and
Motion and tests planning and problem solving. Competition day
draws incredible excitement. Multiple ramps mean a large number
of races for each car and a timely selection of the winners.
Video
of cars in action
Cost:
$9 per student Competition ramps: $20 per ramp (1 free ramp
for each 100 kits ordered.)
(Museum support available. Call for details 777.1833)
Connecticut Core Science Curriculum Framework
4.1 The position and motion of objects can be changed by pushing or pulling.
7.1 Energy provides the ability to do work and can exist in many forms.
|
| Hill
Quest Cars |
|
|
| |
positives |
negatives |
Wedge
 |
+lifts
opponents off the ground
+simple
& reliable
+light
& fast
+rubber
tires |
-two
wheel drive
-opponents sometimes go over the top
-little pushing power |
Flinger
|
+flicks
cars off the track
+rubber
tires
+four-wheel
drive
|
-somewhat
complicated
-doesn't
lift all cars
-short wheel base
|
Flicker
|
+extends
"car" over the top of opponent
+four-wheel
drive |
-fairly
complicated |
| |
|
|
| Grabber |
+grabs
the side of the ramp to prevent being pushed back
+four-wheel
drive |
-fairly
complicated |
| |
|
|
| Blocker |
+has
a fence or backstop to thwart a flicker of a claw
+active
defense |
-Adds
weight and drag |
| |
|
|
| Racer |
+very
light and very fast
+simple
and reliable |
-easily
pushed back |
| |
|
|
Claw
|
+fairly
simple
+extends
"car" over the top of opponent
+four-wheel
drive |
-extra
weight |
|
Watch Hill Quest cars in action here. |
|
