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How Does the Air in Tires Support a 3,300-Pound Race Car?

Is Lesson Plan Physical Science Middle School Elementary Grade 5

Sensemaking Checklist

Lesson Overview


Race car design features help the cars move easily through air, as well as use air to propel the car forward. In this lesson, students explore how the air inside the tires can support the weight of the race car—all 3,300 pounds! After conducting an investigation, students use their observations to explain this phenomenon.


 

Materials

Investigation Materials (One per group)

  • 1–2 plastic syringes
  • 1–2 syringe caps (optional)
  • Whiteboard or larger sheet of paper for student models and explanations
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