Straw Model Construction In Progress

Construction Underway

Today, we are making models of the car. Each team member is drawing a scale model, and then they will build it with circular paper straw. This will give us an idea what our car will look like. Our group will then decide which model they like the best. Mr. Sherwood, the instructor, has given us the resources to build our knowledge in building of the car. Many of the videos were not the most fun thing in the world, but it gave us the necessary knowledge to make the best possible car. In the discussions we have pointed out the imperfections in last year’s car. Everyone at least knows what they shouldn’t do now. Hopefully, we will be able to rise to the top this year, and escape the novice division. That is one of our main goals this year.

Ackerman Angle

Mr. Sherwood explaining to the team how to measure the Ackerman angle. This is very important for the steering.

Consolidating Powers

Today, we are going to make a short walk out to the shop. We are going to see what is going to be our center of gravity. Our instructor, Mr. Jim Sherwood, gave us an opportunity to watch videos about center of gravity. Believe me, no one in the class could resist. Everyone was pretty excited to gain more knowledge so we can apply it to our car. Lately we have been trying to get sponsors. Some of the kids have already gotten sponsorship for our car. It is going to give us an advantage being able to buy supplies really early this year. The sooner we get our car built, the better. Our team will be able to tweak, and work out all the kinks in our car. We would like to thank our sponsors that our supporting us. Without your support, this program would not be available for us. 

Up, Up, And Away

We are finally getting into the aerodynamics section of making our car. The team watched a film about how we can make the most aerodynamic car. It is very helpful to obtain this knowledge so that we may apply it in the race. It will maximize our laps per race, and that is always a plus. We have made flyers to give to possible sponsors. The team also has picked places that they want to go to ask for sponsorship. We will need all that we can get. The money that we will get will go into building materials, tools, and supplies for the car. It is a long process to order the supplies. Finding some of the items can be easy but others can take quite a long time. It will be easier this year since we know what we are looking for. We will keep the updates coming all year!