Engineering design with a point (or two)!
In this activity, students design and construct a jousting vehicle powered by gravity. They incorporate toothpicks, skewers, or T-pins for their lance, and they design a shield from index cards within given design specifications. Students compete by rolling their jousting vehicles down opposing ramps, attempting to pop their opponent’s balloon while protecting their own. Multiple STEM concepts are illustrated and used within this activity, providing a vehicle (pun intended) for STEM integration.
Students are provided components for a rolling chassis – but from that point forward, they determine the designs of their vehicles. The package provides a variety of building components, enough for 30 students to each build their own gravity jouster. Small balloons and an inflator are provided. Balloon and modeling clay colors might vary.
The Gravity Jousting Track is constructed of high-density polyethylene and requires no tools for assembly. Can be easily disassembled for storage. A teacher’s guide with reproducible student procedures and worksheets is also included.