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DIY Salt Water Car Kit - Cat# 80-50-W249

In stock

SKU

80-50-W249

CA$11.25

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Details

DIY Salt Water Car Kit — A Hands‑On STEM Experience

Introduce your students to the principles of renewable energy and electrochemistry with the DIY Salt Water Car Kit. This engaging project allows students to build a model car powered entirely by a saltwater battery, offering a practical application of science and engineering concepts in a classroom setting.

What’s in the Kit & How It Works

The kit includes:

Laser-cut wooden components for easy assembly
Magnesium and carbon sheets
Wires and connectors
Clear and simple instructions for assembly

Students will assemble the components to create a car powered by a saltwater battery. The magnesium and carbon sheets react with the saltwater to produce an electrical current, which powers the motor and propels the car forward.

STEM Concepts Illuminated

This kit provides an excellent opportunity to explore various STEM concepts:

STEM Area	Key Concepts	Classroom Applications & Extensions
Electrochemistry	Saltwater as an electrolyte, redox reactions	Discuss how magnesium and carbon react in saltwater to produce electricity; explore the concept of electrochemical cells.
Energy Conversion	Chemical → Electrical → Mechanical	Students observe how chemical energy in the saltwater is converted into electrical energy, which is then converted into mechanical energy to move the car.
Circuits & Conductivity	Conductivity of saltwater, closed circuits	Build and test simple circuits; measure how varying concentrations of salt affect conductivity and car performance.
Mechanical Engineering	Gears, axles, wheels, friction	Assemble the car; experiment with gear ratios and wheel sizes to optimize speed and distance.
Sustainability	Renewable energy sources	Discuss the benefits of using saltwater as a non-toxic, renewable energy source compared to traditional batteries.

Why Teachers Will Love It

Hands-On Learning: Students actively engage in building and understanding the mechanics of a saltwater-powered car.
Cross-Disciplinary Connections: Integrates concepts from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Encourages Critical Thinking: Students can experiment with different configurations and observe outcomes.
Affordable and Scalable: Cost-effective for classroom use and suitable for group activities.

Classroom Activity Ideas

Salt Concentration Experiment: Test how different concentrations of salt in the water affect the car's speed and distance.
Design Challenge: Have students modify the car's design to improve efficiency or performance.
Energy Analysis: Discuss how the amount of saltwater used impacts the car's performance and compare it to other energy sources.
Sustainability Discussion: Explore the environmental benefits of using saltwater as an energy source.

Bring chemistry and engineering together in a creative, hands-on project. With the DIY Salt Water Car Kit, students won't just learn about energy—they'll experience it in motion.

Additional Resources

Saltwater_Car_Lesson_Plan.pdf