The Badge Archive

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 or more testing ramps and obstacle pans (one for each emergency scenario the scouts are designing for)
• 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 Materials) For Flood Vehicles (Floating & Waterproofing): Plastic wrap or tape, Foam pieces or packing peanuts, Deflated small balloons, Paddle-like attachments
• (Optional Materials) For Blizzard Vehicles (Snow Resistance & Stability): Large plastic lids or sponge-covered wheels, Cardboard or foam scoops, Rubber bands wrapped around wheels
• (Optional Materials) For Earthquake Vehicles (Shock Absorption & Durability): Sponges or rubber bands, Foam board or reinforced cardboard, OR Grip tape or textured materials

Obstacle Pan Setup

Prepare three separate obstacle pans, one for each emergency scenario:

1. Flood Test:
   • Fill a shallow plastic bin with water (just enough for vehicles to float or roll through).
   • Test whether vehicles move on water or sink.
2. Blizzard Test:
   • Spread a thin layer of flour in a tray to represent deep snow.
   • Test how well the wheels move through resistance.
3. Earthquake Test:
   • Place rocks, pebbles, or uneven materials in a tray to simulate damaged roads.
   • See if the vehicle can roll over debris.

Testing Ramp Setup

• Set up one regular ramp for initial movement tests (plain surface, no obstacles).
• After rolling vehicles down the ramp, test them in the specific scenario obstacle pan they were designed for (not all three).
  • Scouts first test basic movement down the ramp. Then, they test their vehicle in the obstacle pan that matches their chosen emergency type (flood, blizzard, or earthquake).

---

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

1. 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 using clay, sponge pieces, or rubber bands.
   • Test if the vehicle rolls straight and adjust as needed.
2. Step 2: Strengthen & Customize the Vehicle (10 minutes)
   • Scouts use cardboard and extra materials to reinforce their vehicle.
   • Add doors, windows, lights, or weather-specific features (plow for snow, flotation for water).
3. Step 3: Test for Movement & Extreme Weather (20 minutes)
   • Roll the vehicle down a ramp to check basic movement.
   • Test the vehicle in its obstacle pan:
     • Flood scenario: See if it moves in water.
     • Blizzard scenario: Try rolling through flour (snow simulation).
     • Earthquake scenario: Test its ability to roll over uneven rocks.
4. Wrap-Up Discussion (10 minutes)
   • Scouts share their test results and observe how their vehicles performed and brainstorm any improvements they could make.

Possible Modifications for Each Obstacle Pan:

Flood Test (Water Terrain)

• Floating Body: Use lightweight waterproof materials like plastic bottles or foil pans to keep the vehicle from sinking.
• Sealed Components: Cover openings with tape or plastic wrap to prevent water from entering.
• Propulsion: Add paddle-like wheels or attach a small balloon for extra buoyancy.

Blizzard Test (Snow Simulation – Flour)

• Wide Wheels: Use large plastic lids or sponge-covered wheels to avoid getting stuck in soft terrain.
• Raised Axles: Position axles higher to keep the body off the “snow.”
• Snow Plow Addition: Attach cardboard or foam scoops to push through the terrain.

Earthquake Test (Rough Roads – Rocks & Debris)

• Durable Body: Choose rigid materials like foam board or reinforced cardboard to prevent damage.
• Shock Absorption: Add rubber bands or sponges near axles to soften impact over uneven ground.
• Treaded Wheels: Glue textured materials (rubber bands, foam, grip tape) onto wheels for better traction.