Electric cars are being used more and more. They use batteries to move and we want them to charge fast when they are empty. The grid is where your electricity comes from. There are a few ways to fast charge electric cars, but each have pros and cons. In this design challenge we compare two ways of fast charging electric cars, one directly from the grid, and one that has a battery between the grid and car.
The student handout will be given to all students working on the design challenge. It gives a brief recap of the story, it helps the students identify what they are attempting to achieve, and it recaps the design process.
This Facilitator’s Guide provides the instructor additional information on how to run the design challenge with alternatives for materials and test setups as well as information to help make the design challenge a good educational experience.
The Telling the Story Video conveys the societal impact of the student’s research that is the basis for the design challenge and will set the problem-solving context for students.
The Design Challenge Video leads students through the design process. It indicates materials available, states what the criteria are for success and any constraints. It also gives a second ‘level’ of the design challenge that allows ‘early completers’ to move on to a slightly more difficult challenge.