Introduction
Welcome car enthusiasts.
Have you ever felt the push back into your seat as a car accelerates or the lurch forward when it suddenly brakes? These everyday sensations are governed by the fundamental principles of physics that you're learning about in class. From the friction of the tires on the road to the aerodynamic design that helps a car slice through the air, every aspect of a vehicle's performance is a real-world application of scientific laws. This WebQuest challenges you to become an automotive analyst, tasked with uncovering these powerful connections. You will investigate the physics behind vehicle motion, safety systems, and overall efficiency. By the end of your journey, you will see how every car on the road is a masterful demonstration of physics in action.
Task
Task: The Science of Speed
Welcome, Junior Physicists! A major car manufacturer has hired your team to create a simple guide for new drivers explaining the science behind how a car speeds up. They want their drivers to understand the powerful forces they are controlling.
Your Task:
Your task is to investigate, explain, and present how and why cars speed up. You will explore the
scientific principles that make cars move (forces, friction, and energy), research factors that affect
speed, conduct a simple investigation or experiment, and present your findings in a poster or digital
presentation. Reflect on how speeding affects safety and the environment.
Process
Step 1: Research
Define speed, velocity, and acceleration. Explain how a car engine changes fuel into motion and
describe the forces acting on a moving car.
Step 2: Explore
Watch a short video or animation on how cars gain speed. Find out why car designers focus on
aerodynamics and how friction affects speed.
Step 3: Experiment (Hands-On)
Use a toy car, a ramp, and a stopwatch. Measure travel time, vary ramp height or surface, and
calculate average speed = distance ÷ time.
Step 4: Create
Summarize findings in a PowerPoint, Google Slides, or poster, including visuals and graphs.
Step 5: Reflect
Discuss: What forces affect car speed? Why control speed? How does science improve car safety?
Evaluation
evaluation
| Criteria | Excellent(4) | Good(3) | Fair(2) | Needs improvement(1) |
| Scientific under standing | Clear and accurate | Mostly correct | Some correct ideas | Major misconceptions |
| Investigation & Data | detailed and accurate | some data included | limited data | no evidence |
| presentation quality | well organized and creative | clear and understandable | some issues | unclear |
| collaboration | Equal participation | Most Participated | some inactive | little collaboration |
reflection : insightful and real life correlation(4)
clear understanding(3)
limited connection(2)
no reflection(1)
Conclusion
Conclusion
Through this WebQuest, you explored the science behind speeding — including forces, motion, friction,
and aerodynamics. You learned that speeding is not just about the car’s engine, but also about physics
and responsible behavior. Understanding these principles helps engineers design safer cars and
drivers make safer choices.
Credits
Created by: Ms Anna, Grade 7 Science Teacher
Resources: BBC Bitesize Physics, NASA Kids Science, HowStuffWorks, National Geographic
Education
Teacher Page
Target Group: Grade 7 learners (Ages 12–13)
Curriculum Links: Forces and Motion, Energy and Work, Scientific Inquiry, Application of Science in
Everyday Life
Learning Objectives:
1. Define and explain motion concepts (speed, velocity, acceleration).
2. Identify forces influencing a car’s movement.
3. Conduct a simple experiment to collect and analyze speed data.
4. Apply science to real-world safety issues.
5. Collaborate to create a scientific presentation.
Teacher Notes:
- Divide learners into groups of 3–4.
- Provide toy cars, ramps, rulers, and stopwatches.
- Supervise safely and encourage creativity.
- Allocate 2–3 lessons for research and one for presentations.
Assessment: Use the rubric provided and allow peer feedback.
Extension Activities:
- Invite a local traffic officer or mechanic.
- Design a “safe car of the future.”
- Discuss how speed affects the environment.