Measurement Activity ‚Skimmer Cars

Introduction
Throughout history many systems of measurement have been devised and then thrown out as more precise and more logical systems have come along. While most of the world has adopted the metric system, the United States still clings to the Standard system. In this measurement lab, you will have a chance to perfect your precision measuring skills in the system that you are less comfortable with. STEM professionals, such as scientists, technologists, mathematicians, and engineers, must be able to measure accurately. It is very important that you pay attention to the units that you are using.
Equipment

• ¬∑  Pencil
• ¬∑  Metric or English ruler
• ¬∑  file folders
• ¬∑  Glue
• ¬∑  Tape
• ¬∑  staples
• ¬∑  Launcher: wood & large rubber bands

Procedure
In this activity you will create a skimmer that will slide across the floor with ease if your measurements are accurate and your workmanship is exceptional.

• Neatly and accurately use the plan sheet and measuring tool to draw your skimmer main body, air scoop, and two (2) fins onto the file folder. YOU WILL NOT GET ANOTHER FOLDER IF YOU MAKE MISTAKES. Measure carefully before cutting.
• Carefully cut out your skimmer parts. Cut only on the solid lines. The dotted lines are where you will score and fold.
• Use your ruler to draw the dotted lines on your cardboard air scoop and main body, and then fold on these lines to create a 90¬∞ angle.
• Glue the fins to the 1‚ÅÑ2 in. flap on the main body. Make sure that the angled edge faces the front of your skimmer. Glue or tape the main body back to the fins at an angle as shown in the orthographic drawing.
• Glue the flaps of the air scoop to the inside edges of the main body with the narrow end flush with the front of the main body as shown in the orthographic drawing.
• After all glue has dried, throw your skimmer along the floor and see how smoothly it glides. Do 8 trial runs and record the distance for each run.

Conclusion

• How did completing the skimmer using the metric system help to improve your skills?
• How far did your skimmer travel?
• Explain why your skimmer was more or less successful than your classmates'.

Directions: Use the measurements from this sheet to lay out your skimmer on a file folder. The drawing below is NOT to scale. The solid lines are cutting lines; the dotted lines represent scoring and folding lines. Quality work and precise measurements will make your skimmer slide easily across a smooth floor.
Decorate your air racer before assembling.
Metric Skimmer Plans (all measurements in millimeters)