Force and motion
Portfolio summary
In this portfolio, the student shows understanding of the factors that impact on the motion of a model car and of the mechanical forces acting on it. They use knowledge of material properties to improve performance. Students describe Newton’s Second Law of Motion, demonstrate understanding of the concept of energy and can justify changes to the design in scientific and engineering terms. They evaluate experimental method, identify reasons for errors and can draw a correct conclusion about their method.
Students outline the design brief and suggest changes to their model to meet the criteria. They justify and make changes to the model, test their changes and record the results.
Students recognise the impact of angles on axle function. They collect data and represent it in a table and segmented line graph. They calculate average speed.
This portfolio has its basis in Science and Technologies, particularly engineering principles. Mathematics plays a minor role.
