Use AI to explore ideas, then create a sketch or stationary paper model of a future flying car that helps people in your city. The strongest design combines imagination, safety, accessibility, care for the environment, and learning from tests.
Suggested ages 8–12 · with an adult45 minutesSolo or small teamAI optional
Choose two: limited space, weather changes, quiet neighborhoods, step-free access, simple instructions, repairable parts, connections to public transport.
These imaginative briefs are not claims about local aviation rules or actual infrastructure. Use any mission in any city, or replace it with an adult-verified local need.
Read the real story. Then imagine.
In 2018, SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket carried a Tesla Roadster into space as a payload attached to its upper stage. It was not a demonstration of a car flying independently.
That historical flight is separate from newer Roadster announcements or speculative features. This challenge makes no performance, product-release or certification claims.
Bring reused paper or thin card, pencils, tape and a ruler. Child-safe scissors are optional and need adult guidance. Make a stationary paper model, labeled drawing, tactile layout or narrated storyboard.
01 · 5 MINUTES
Discover
Read the Roadster story. Choose who your imagined vehicle helps and what problem it solves.
02 · 5 MINUTES
Imagine
Sketch two ideas. With an adult, ask AI for alternatives and questions. Choose which suggestions to use.
03 · 10 MINUTES
Design
Label the passenger entrance, space for different passengers, human controls, a safe waiting place, and one environmental trade-off.
04 · 10 MINUTES
Build
Make a stationary paper model or develop your drawing or storyboard.
05 · 10 MINUTES
Test and improve
Run the three tabletop checks below. Change one feature and repeat the relevant check.
06 · 5 MINUTES
Explain
Show your idea, one test result, one improvement, and one thing you still need to learn.
Equal ways to take part
Precut shapes, large-print prompts, tactile materials, verbal explanation, adult-assisted assembly and drawing-only entries receive equal consideration. AI is optional: an adult can operate a suitable tool or provide printed ideas. No internet access is needed. No purchases, child accounts, uploads, public profiles or online leaderboards.
Three tabletop checks
Fit
Does your model or floor plan fit inside the same drawn 20 × 20 cm square used by every team?
Access
Can the same paper passenger token move through the entrance and into a passenger space on your model or drawing? Show the path and revise an obstruction.
Pause safely
Draw a “strong wind” or “AI unavailable” card. Explain how the imagined vehicle stays parked, a responsible human makes decisions, and passengers receive clear information.
These classroom checks explore space, usability and reasoning. They do not test flightworthiness or demonstrate real-world safety.
03 / OPTIONAL · FOR AN ADULT
Ask for ideas. Keep the choices yours.
An adult operates and reviews the AI. Do not enter children’s names, ages, photos, voices, contact details, school, home address or location. Use mission text alone; no city name or child information is necessary. AI suggestions can be mistaken.
This page provides a prompt only. It does not connect to an AI service or send your design anywhere.
04 / PRIVATE CLASSROOM GUIDE
Thoughtful ideas, out of 20.
For each category: 0 missing · 1 mentioned · 2 explained · 3 demonstrated in the design · 4 improved with evidence or a clearly explained trade-off.
Do not reward speed, height, expensive materials, polished AI images or unsupported performance claims. Celebrate “Thoughtful Access,” “Clever Improvement” and “Creative City Solution” in a private showcase.
Optional teen extension
Compare two concepts using the same criteria, explain a trade-off and identify which claims would require qualified engineering research. Keep the physical activity paper-only.
Your design record
Use design ideas only, without personal details. Entries stay in this open page; they are not uploaded or saved automatically. An adult may download a local text copy before leaving.
Sources and activity notes
This is an original Atherverse educational proposal using NASA JPL’s design–build–test–improve framework. NASA’s advanced-air-mobility material informs discussion of safety, accessibility, affordability and community needs. The references do not endorse or validate this classroom activity. Sources checked 19 October 2026.