Crash Test Car
![Thumb.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bdb8b4_328e7f48812d4c56b7346e6703d263ab~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_364,h_232,al_c,lg_1,q_85,enc_auto/Thumb.png)
Project Snapshot
Did you know that real scientists and engineers destroy cars on purpose to learn how safe they would be in a crash? It's true!
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Now it's your turn to create and crash a DIY car! The goal is to keep a plastic egg safely seated inside, and prevent its head from touching the ground in the event of a rollover accident.
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This is a completely open-ended project. There's no right way to build it, but be sure to limit key materials like cups and rubber bands to encourage creative solutions!
![Step 1](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bdb8b4_6f128baa8a034403b56d6834b016b52f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_144,h_144,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/bdb8b4_6f128baa8a034403b56d6834b016b52f~mv2.jpg)
![Step 2](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bdb8b4_b972ff2bfbe842aea7f63a23af844835~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_144,h_144,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/bdb8b4_b972ff2bfbe842aea7f63a23af844835~mv2.jpg)
![Step 6](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bdb8b4_610d12f48484408b8ee94adcb665655f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_144,h_144,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/bdb8b4_610d12f48484408b8ee94adcb665655f~mv2.jpg)
![Step 1](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bdb8b4_6f128baa8a034403b56d6834b016b52f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_144,h_144,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/bdb8b4_6f128baa8a034403b56d6834b016b52f~mv2.jpg)
Click to expand
Tools and Materials
The Engineering Creation Kit has everything you need for this project and many more from STEM Inventions, or get the supplies in bulk:
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Craft sticks
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1/8" dowels
Tips and Troubleshooting
If the egg keeps falling out, then...
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Add or redesign the seatbelt. It needs to be snug, and designed to prevent the driver from being flung forward upon impact.
If the egg keeps breaking open, then...
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Add cushioning around the egg.
If students are completely encasing the egg in materials, then...
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Remind them: In real cars, drivers must be able to see out of the car, and must be able to enter and exit the car easily. You can't drive if you're inside a cushioned box, and it would be very uncomfortable to be taped down to your seat! (See the Lesson Plan in the Resources for more details on the design criteria).