Blizzard Vehicle Build

Fulfills Steps 3, 4, and 5 of GSUSA Brownie Automotive Engineering badge requirements.

Items Needed

1 sample basic vehicle (pre-built)
1 regular ramp for initial movement tests (plain surface, no obstacles)
1 testing ramp and obstacle pan for snow conditions
Vehicle materials per team:
- 1 body
- 4 wheels
- 2 axles (wooden skewers/dowels and plastic straws)
- Thin cardboard or cardstock for extra vehicle features
- Modeling clay, rubber bands, sponges, or hot glue to attach wheels
- Duct tape, glue, markers, scissors
- (Optional Material) Large plastic lids or sponge-covered wheels for traction
- (Optional Material) Cardboard or foam scoops for a snowplow
- (Optional Material) Rubber bands wrapped around wheels for better grip

Testing Ramp Setup

Place a smooth, sturdy board or surface at a slight incline to create the ramp.
Ensure the ramp is long enough for vehicles to roll straight down without obstacles.
Position the ramp leading into the snow obstacle pan to transition from regular movement testing to snow testing.

Snow Obstacle Pan Setup

Use a shallow tray filled with a thin layer of flour to simulate snow.
Ensure the flour is evenly spread for fair testing.
Have extra materials nearby for scouts to adjust their vehicle (if needed) after testing.

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 45–50 minutes):

Step 1: Build the Basic Vehicle (10 minutes)
- Attach axles by taping straws across the bottom of the vehicle body.
- Connect wheels by inserting skewers through the straws, then securing wheels with clay, sponge pieces, or rubber bands.
- Test if the vehicle rolls straight and adjust as needed.
Step 2: Strengthen & Customize the Vehicle (10 minutes)
- Scouts reinforce their vehicle using cardboard or foam.
- Add doors, windows, lights, or features to help in snow conditions.
- Modify wheels using rubber bands, sponge coverings, or plastic lids for better traction.
Step 3: Test for Movement & Snow Navigation (20 minutes)
- Roll the vehicle down the regular ramp to check basic movement.
- Place the vehicle in the snow obstacle pan (flour) to see if it moves or gets stuck.
- Adjust the design to improve traction and movement.
- Scouts should observe and record:
  - Does the vehicle roll easily through the snow? (Or does it stop or sink?)
  - Do the wheels get stuck? (Which modifications helped or failed?)
  - Does the body stay clear of the snow? (Would raising the axles help?)
  - Which changes made movement easier? (Wide wheels, plow attachment, rubber grips, etc.)
- Recording Methods:
  - Scouts can use a checklist to mark results.
  - Teams can write or draw observations of what happened during testing.
  - They can compare results and suggest improvements based on findings.
Wrap-Up Discussion (5 minutes)
- Scouts share their test results and review their observations.
- Each should brainstorm ways to improve their design.

How Engineers Test & Improve Blizzard Vehicles

Grip & traction – Engineers test wheels to make sure they don’t slide.
Height & clearance – Vehicles need to sit high enough to avoid snow buildup.
Snow removal features – Some vehicles use plows or heating elements to clear paths.

Ways to Improve Designs:

Stronger materials – Durable materials help vehicles withstand freezing temperatures and prevent damage from ice buildup.
Better wheels – Wide or textured wheels provide better traction and prevent slipping on snow and ice.
Snow clearance features – Adding plows or angled surfaces can help push snow aside for smoother movement.

Wrap-Up Questions for Scouts