The Rubber Band Car. Lesson Guide. The Challenge: To build a car that moves under the power of rubber bands! Topics: Forces, Energy, Simple Machines

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1 The Rubber Band Car The Challenge: To build a car that moves under the power of rubber bands! Topics: Forces, Energy, Simple Machines Version 1 Materials: 2 compact discs (per group) Corrugated cardboard Ruler Wooden Skewer Version 2 Materials: Styrofoam cups (paper cups) Chopsticks Paper Clips Beads Pencil Washer Lesson Guide Lesson 1: Introduction An introduction to simple machines and where they can be found is essential. Have students begin to understand the different types of simple machines and identify some that they may already know of. This time is also used to introduce forces, the key differences between a push and a pull, and also the connection to energy (potential and kinetic).

2 Lesson 2: Application Now that the students have an understanding of simple machines and can identify some that are found around them, it is time to apply their understanding in a hands on activity. This activity is geared toward giving the students the opportunity to explore as well as solidify their understanding of: energy, forces and wheels. Explain to the students how they are going to build their race cars (do not give them precise measurements or requirements, simply show them the image of the completed rubber band car OR the following blueprint image. Allow the students time to analyze the images and construct their own plan from those images.

3 Lesson 3: The Build Once students have analyzed the image and created their own procedure on how they are going to build the car, give them time to build. Allow students the opportunity to explore various sizes, styles and creations prior to stepping in and guiding their construction. Lesson 4: The race Once students have built, tested and redesigned their cars, have them race other groups, this will be a great opportunity to discuss why some cars may be faster then others. Make sure that students are given the opportunity to express their reasoning behind building their car the way they did. Extension: Building a ramp Have students develop and design a ramp that will allow their car to climb a certain height. This height could be pre-determined How to Build a Rubber Band Car Version 1:

4 The Body: The body is made from the cardboard. Cut the cardboard into a square, approximately ¾ the length of the skewer for its width and as long as you want for the length. Make sure the corrugated part is along the sides, this will make it easier for you to put the skewer through and have it act as an axel. Notch out a piece of the cardboard on the side which connects to the skewer. The notch should be big enough for the tape to spin around. The Axel: Slide the skewer through the cardboard and be sure to have the same amount of axel on both sides of the cardboard. At the mid part of the skewer (where you made the notch in the cardboard) attach a small piece of tape and create a catch with it. To do so wrap the tape around the skewer and fold over the tape at the end to make a hook. The Wheels: Slide the CDs onto the axel. Using Duct tape or poster putty, attach the CD to the axel to secure them together (be sure to keep the axel centered in the wheel). The Rubber Band: Using tape attach one end of the rubber band to the body of the car (the end opposite of the axel). Wrap the other end of the rubber band around the catch on the axel, then begin turning the axel to tighten the rubber band. Once complete, release the vehicle and see how far it goes! Version 2: Materials: Styrofoam cups (paper cups) Chopsticks Paper Clips Beads Pencil Washer The Cups: 1.Cut a nickel sized hole in the bottom of both cups. 2. Put the cups together (bottom to bottom) so the holes align. 3. Use duct tape to fasten them together. 4. Poke a hole in the lid with a pencil Rubber Bands:

5 1. Attach 3 rubber bands together by looping them onto one another (see the image below) 2. Insert your rubber bands into the bottom of the cups. 3. Feed one end out the top of one cup and attach a paper clip so it cannot fall back into the cup. 4. On the other end, add a washer, then feed the elastic band through a pony bead so there is a loop that comes out of the bead. 5. Insert the chopstick into the loop 6. Wind up and let it go!