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In this activity, learners explore how engineers design tire treads to increase safety and reliability. Learners are presented with the challenge of designing a new tire tread that will be safe when driving in rainy conditions. Teams design and construct a sample tread out of clay, then test and evaluate the effectiveness of the design, evaluate their results, and present their findings to the group.
- Under 5 minutes
- 1 to 2 hours
- $10 - $20 per group of students
- Ages 8 - 18
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- Student Resource Sheets
- Student Worksheets
- Water
- Measuring cup and spout
- Tape
- Divided basin (or three small containers) for testing and measuring water that gathers at the bottom and on each side
- Tread depth measuring device (ruler or actual tread measuring device)
- Paper
- Cardboard
- Clay
- Plastic knives or kid-safe clay carving tools
- Pencils
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
-
Technology
- Transportation
-
Engineering
-
Mathematics
-
Data Analysis and Probability
- Data Analysis
- Data Collection
-
Data Analysis and Probability
-
Physical Sciences
-
Motion and Forces
- Machines
-
Motion and Forces
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
- Communicating Results
-
The Scientific Process
-
The Nature of Technology
-
Technology and Society
- Impacts of Technology
-
The Design Process
- Research and Development
- Invention and Innovation
- Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance
-
Technology and Society
Informal Categories
- Transportation
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All rights reserved, IEEE,