Marshall University Continuing Education
LEGO Technology
This land yacht vehicle traveled 34 feet!
Marshall University's Continuing Education Department sponsors the Children's College classes throughout the year.  Students can participate in a variety of classes of their choice.  These students are working with Mrs. Linda Hamilton on LEGO Technology.  Jay Hamilton, Mrs. Hamilton's son, was the expert teacher at this session.  Jay challenged the students to build a vehicle that would travel along a predetermined path.  Students worked to increase the length the car would travel by altering the design and/or sail.  Students also used sails to build land yachts and balloons for balloon cars.  The morning class got a car to travel 32 feet, while the second class had a car travel 34 feet!  Jay is a great teacher!!!!  Ms. Tara Shamblin, a MU Associate Teacher, assisted Jay.
Getting ideas without instructions
Chelsea, student assistant, readies her car
Car with straight sail
This car has a very complex sail that funneled the air forward
Land Yacht and Conventional Car
Balloon car
More ideas
This student used four balloons on his car
Logan, student assistant, works to perfect her vehicle
A wrap-around sail gathers more air to propel forward
Success!!!!!!
Comparing designs and ideas
The three winning vehicles
Working on propulsion
Getting the car started just right
Ms. Shamblin's sports car could really go!
Sometimes the sail had to be adjusted
Looking way down the track to the finish line!
Chelsea's car was a champion!
Ms. Shamblin working to get more speed from her Sports Car
Here we go!
An interesting design
Smaller, pastel sails
Economical design
Family sedan with interesting sail design
This little car passed the 28 feet mark!
This student is trying out the More is Better idea
The winning car designer adds more to her sail
Time for more parts!
Comparing notes


MU Continuing Education Department
LEGO Links of Linda Hamilton
Davis Creek Elementary LEGO Site Map

Created April 1, 2001
Edited 4 / 5 / 2004
S. Simon
J. Hamilton