Duration: ~1-2 hrs

Instructions

Review the Brainstorming deck below to get started with the brainstorming process, and think back to all of your discussions, precedent analysis, and field research thus far.

Part 1: Individual Brainstorm

Individually, come up with as many ideas for CO2-powered drag racers. Explore the precedent research you've done to inspire ideas. Consider different aspects of car design, focusing on aerodynamics, rolling resistance, and inertia. Think outside of the box. This is the time to engage in wild ideas!

Use the following categories to find inspiration for your brainstorming:

• Aerodynamic shapes
• Innovative materials
• Unique propulsion mechanisms
• Artistic designs inspired by nature or animals

Part 2: Whiteboard Brainstorm

Now it's your time to shine. Share 2-3 of your favorite ideas with the class. Your teacher will facilitate a group discussion around ideas using the whiteboard. They will help to categorize ideas in clusters based on similarity.

Note: At this stage of the design process, brainstorming project ideas are shared amongst everyone - no matter who had the idea initially.

Part 3: Partner Brainstorm

The initial list from Part 1 and the insights gained from the whiteboard session are going to seed the rest of your brainstorming process and facilitate the idea-generation process.

Your task is to narrow your list down to 3 project ideas to share with a partner who had similar ideas to you. Let your partner know which of their ideas you think are particularly exciting. Feel free to come up with a few new ideas once you hear about your partner's ideas. Maybe something new occurs to you now. Run with it!

After you rapidly share with one another, sketch 2-3 of your favorite ideas. Remember to add which mechanisms you would like to incorporate into your designs and how these mechanisms can improve the car's performance.

Deliverable

At the end of the Brainstorming Activity, you will inform your teacher of three ideas you would be most excited to pursue.