Learning Goals:

1. Understand how electricity is measured, specifically Voltage, Amperage, and Wattage.
2. Describe how gear ratios affect overall speed, loading, and efficiency.
3. Describe how voltage supply modifications can alter vehicle efficiency.

Handouts

• Cycle Analyst Lab Worksheet

Group Supplies (up to 25 per group)

• Cycle Analyst
• Shunt (as specified for specific Cycle Analyst)
• Electric go-kart or electric bicycle
• Tools as required per Cycle Analyst instructions

Important Links

• Lesson Plan
• Electrathon America

Next Generation Science Standards

3-5 Engineering Design

• 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified crietria for success and constraints on materials, time, or costs.
• 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints on materials, time, or cost.
• 3-5-ETS1-3: Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.

M.S. Engineering Design

• MS-ETS1-1: Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.
• MS-ETS1-2: Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
• MS-ETS1-3: Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.
• MS-ETS1-4: Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.

H.S. Engineering Design

• HS-ETS1-1: Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.
• HS-ETS1-2: Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.
• HS-ETS1-3: Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.