Chariot Game
Introduction: Chariot Game
Purpose: This is my submission for the 2020-2021 Butwin Elias Award by the Adam Iseman Foundation. My submission is a chariot game where the goal is to compete against another chariot and try and knock the other rider off of the opposing vehicle. The following is a guide as to how to construct a chariot and its rider. Best played on a flat, even floor, without furniture or machinery to bump into.
Supplies
Tools
* Soldering Iron
* Wood Cutter
* Laser Cutter
* Hot Glue Gun
* Wire Cutter
* Writing Utensil
* Tape Measure
Resources
Chariot
* Balsa Wood (35” x 0.5” x 0.125” ) x2
* Balsa Wood (24” x 0.25” x 0.25” ) x1
* Wire x1
* Soldering Wire x1
* Hot Glue Sticks x2
* Acrylic sheets ( 3” x 3” x 0.63” ) x2
* 9 Volt Battery x1
* 9 Volt battery Connector x1
* 1.5 Volt Motors x2
* Switch x1
* Bearing x1
Rider
* Balsa Wood (35” x 0.5” x 0.125” ) x1
* Balsa Wood (24” x 0.25” x 0.25” ) x1
* Paper Clips x4
* Masking Tape x1
Step 1: STEM Application
How does this simple project show an application in STEM? One of the major ways this was shown is in its circuitry and the designing behind it. This project gave me a hands on lesson with soldering and circuits. Before taking this on, I didn't truly understand the difference between series and parallel. Through testing, and a few 9V batteries, I had a better grasp of what circuits were and how they worked. Originally, I had a parallel circuit and the test model only did donuts on the floor. 267
After some testing and suggestions from my Engineering teacher, I was able to understand what worked best. One of the best applications of this project in STEM is its circuitry, the engineering process trying to make it work, and the hands-on learning behind it.
Step 2: Cutting Your Wood to Size
Get the Balsa Wood pieces (36" x 0.5" x 0.125" ) and cut them into the following measurements:
* 11, 4" pieces
* 7, 3" pieces
* 10, 1.5" pieces
* 11, 2" pieces
* 3, 1.125" pieces
Step 3: Cutting Angles
Using the Wood Cutter tool, cut 45 degrees off both sides of a 4" piece and a 3" piece (you should end up with two trapezoids), and on just one side of two 2" pieces.
Step 4: Chariot Base
Arrange the two trapezoids and six 4" pieces into the above shape. Using the Hot Glue Gun, attach one 4" piece down the center, and two 3" pieces along the sides. This will form the base of the chariot.
Step 5: First Layer of the Wall
Grab three of the 2" pieces of Balsa Wood and two of the 1.5" pieces. Using the Glue Gun, attach the pieces to the Base (the 2" pieces will be vertical and horizontal, and the 1.5" pieces will be diagonal.)
Step 6: Second Layer
Using the same pieces, repeat the last step, making the Wall 1" tall.
Step 7: Wire Holes
Using the Wood Cutter (or a 3/8 drill bit if available) make holes in the base as shown in the attached picture. One hole is 2.5" in, and 0.5" up, while the other is 0.75" in and 2.75" up.
Step 8: Mounting Motors
Using your two 1.5V motors and the Hot Glue Gun, attach your two motors to the Base. Make sure to secure them with ample amounts of glue as these wheels are jostled quite frequently.
Step 9: Battering Down the Battery
Get your 9V battery and 9V battery connector. Attach the latter to the former and glue down to the base. Slip the black wire through the nearest hole and bring to the back of the base.
Step 10: Securing the Switch
Using the Hot Glue Gun, attach the switch to the bottom of Base with the wire connectors facing inwards (should fit between the two support pieces). 56