Propel innovation with this TeacherGeek activity straight from the Everglades. Send this racer flying with an electric project motor and propeller. Kids can engineer it for speed, distance or style by constructing the frame and propeller blades. Use real tools and learn from experimentation, evolving unique designs through the engineering process. Use recycling bin materials, 3-D printed elements or other found components to create propeller blades. This activity features TeacherGeek mini hub assemblies; build your own unique propellers by changing blade shape, angle or amount.

• Utilize the design and engineering process
• Encourage creativity, critical thinking and problem solving
• Learn about electricity, blade angle, and propeller design
• Apply the scientific method
• Innovate (design, build and evolve your own unique design)



When working with this Activity, start with the Build Guide

     Build Guide     

Start by creating an example Air Racer using the Build Guide. This will be a great design to get you started. You’ll start to create your own amazing designs during the engineering challenges at the end of the Guide. 

• Air Racer Build Guide: PDF or MS Word

MS Word or PDF - Which document format should you download? Always download the PDF document, unless you want to edit/change it. If you want to edit/change the document, download the MS Word (Microsoft Word™) version.

     Optional Resources     

Download the TeacherGeek Engineering Notebook

Available at two different learning levels, the TeacherGeek Engineering Notebook is designed to help students cycle thru the Design & Engineering Process and help them innovate and invent new designs. Use an Engineering Notebook page for each iteration of design. It is recommended that extra pages are printed and on-hand during activities.

• Simple Engineering Notebook:  PDF
• Engineering Notebook:  PDF
• ”Helica” Propeller Car (1924): YouTube Video
• Propeller Car on My Classic Car: YouTube Video

 

 

STEAM Market-It Challenge

Add the STEAM Market-It Challenge to any completed TeacherGeek activity to teach students how to turn their TeacherGeek design into a retail product. Students will learn the 4 'Ps' of marketing - Product, Placement, Price and Promotion. Students have the option of completing a commercial, a billboard or retail packaging as a summative assessment.

•  STEAM Market-It Challenge: PDF or MS Word

What tools will you need to do this activity?

Sets of tools can be found here.

Additional Supplies Needed to Build an Air Racer: This activity requires AA batteries, tape, scissors, safety goggles, and recycling material.

Make your Air Racer propeller with recycling bin material.

What's in the Air Racer Activity?

This is an educational product and not a toy. It is intended for use by ages 9 and above with adult supervision.