Go Kart Science & Technology Materials
Go Kart Science & Technology
Go Kart Science are a series of modules where student teams measure various performance aspects of their electric go-karts using the science concepts that they have learned in the Hardware Store Science program. Go Kart Science education modules include:
- Accelerometer Data Collection in Go Kart Racing
- RPM Sensor Data Collection in Go Kart Racing
- Energy and Power Analysis in Go Kart Racing
- Finding The Line in Go Kart Racing
Go Kart Technology are a series of education modules where the students learn skills needed for the design, manufacture, operation and testing of the electric go-karts that they will build as part of the evGrand Prix program. Specific modules include:
- Engineering Drawing
- Systems Analysis
- Steering
- Batteries and Battery Technology
Part of the overall scoring of the evGrandPrix event is Engineering Design, where the topics learned in the Go Technology are an important part of their Engineering Design presentation. In addition the data that is collected and analyzed as described in the Go Kart Science modules is an excellent way for a go-kart team to earn the maximum points in the Engineering Design component of the evGrandPrix.
For additional information on the Go Kart Science and
Technology contact Stuart White (white152@purdue.edu)
evGrand Prix Education Program
Fall events include the application of scientific principles to the motorsports industry as teams compete in races and learn “go kart science.” Winter program requirements have teams disassembling their go kart, developing design improvements, and then reassembling their kart in preparation for spring test and tune events. Spring events put teams on the track to test their new design features and tune their kart for the World Championship Race. Here teams take what they have learned throughout the year and apply it to their go kart, in an effort to be crowned the World Champion.
The evGrand Prix program is a yearlong engineering challenge program that would be an exciting compliment to any physical science classroom and especially one that incorporates Hardware Store Science activities. In the High School evGrand Prix Problem Based Learning program, student teams apply the science content learned in class to the Motorsports Industry. Teams compete at several fall and spring Events as they design, build, test, and race electric go-karts.
This Problem Based Learning program (Approved by DOE and SBOE as meeting the Employability Skills Graduation Requirement) is an authentic way to assess the academic achievements of students on one of the largest public sports platforms, where many local and state-wide media are present. Student learning is scrutinized at the highest level and by educational experts, industry professionals, and peers. This truly team atmosphere brings out the very best in all participants as it fosters cooperation, shared learning, and wholesome fun as individuals and teams interact with other competing high school teams!
The evGrand Prix education program uses the excitement of racing go-karts to engage students in STEM education by assessing team and individual learning in Series Placement, Energy Efficiency, Engineering Design, Project Management and Marketing, Community Outreach, and Creative Expression.
For more information about the High School evGrand Prix material and resources contact Stuart White at white152@purdue.edu
