In this mechanical engineering lesson, students explore the concept of drag and how the shape of a vehicle directly influences its resistance to airflow. Starting with a beginner-friendly guided introduction to the physics of drag forces, students take on the role of engineers by sketching, carving, and testing their own foam-block vehicles to discover firsthand how design decisions translate into real performance differences, and how vehicle motion depends on forces.  The lesson culminates in a class-wide ramp test where each vehicle's average travel distance is compared, and ending with a discussion about the relationship between shape, drag coefficient, and speed.

Engineering Programs Inspiring the Community (EPIC) Lab provides exciting, hands-on lessons in various topics each semester.


What EPIC Lab Offers
Introduction to Engineering Presentation: UNR engineering students talk about what it's like to be an engineering student and discuss the different types of engineering disciplines.

High-Quality Instruction: Content is developed by University of Nevada, Reno engineering students.

Hands-on Activity: Participants get the opportunity to be engineers and conduct an engineering experiment.

Social Interaction: Participants will engage in discussions and icebreaker activities.