Lessons by Dr. Wesley Fryer (wesfryer.com)

These are lesson resources for a multi-day unit in which 6th grade Engineering students design and 3D Print Pinewood Derby Cars. The culminating lessons include racing the finished cars, analyzing data and reflecting on this design process and experience. This unit and series of lessons was designed / created by Todd Johnson of Providence Day School. I (Wes Fryer) have slightly modified and adjusted some of these lessons, as well as created some of my own supplementary tutorial videos included here.

Note: File links for days 1-3 are currently available, and screenshots-only for days 5-8. (last updated 23 March 2023)

Tutorial Videos

3D Printed Pinewood Derby Cars: Tips For Adding Axles And Wheels

Hand Drill (to widen) Axle Holes for 3D Printed Pinewood Derby Cars

Lesson Sequence

Day 1: Project Overview / Research / "The Science"

Follow the engineering design process to design and build the fastest pinewood derby racer using TinkerCAD Software and our 3D Printer.

Criteria:

The pinewood derby car must follow the PDS official race rules outlined in the attached document.
Body (block) design cannot exceed L 180 mm x W 44 mm x H 32 mm.
Embellishments can be added so long as they do not exceed L 200mm x W 60 mm x H 60 mm and do not interfere with the wheels or impede another car on the track.
Cannot alter location or size of the original Pinewood Derby Axle locations. **See Drawing

Constraints:

Original Car Design must be made using TinkerCAD software (no downloaded designs allowed)
Must be printed on the Stratasys Printers in class.
Original Scout Shop Wheels
Original Axles
No additional weight may be added (what you print is what you race)

TURN IN evidence of your research on Pinewood Derby Cars. This can be: