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Details
Design and engineer a vehicle that is propelled by the energy stored in rubber bands. Make it go for distance, or stop with precision. Design it to go fast, or cross a difficult terrain. Rubber band racers can be easily redesigned/reconfigured, so every day you can have a different challenge.
Learn by experiencing potential and kinetic energy, simple machines, friction, elasticity and ratios. Learn how friction can help, and hurt your racer. This activity is one of our most popular. 10 in a package!
Engineering Challenges
- Study the effects of changing the race surface. (tile, carpet, wood etc.)
- Experiment with increasing wheel diameter by attaching round pieces of found material.
- Try varying the rubber band sizes and observe the effects.
- How can you increase distance?
- How can you increase speed?
- How can you stop at a given distance?
- Give your car a personality of its own.
Educational Goals for this Product
- Utilize the design and engineering process
- Encourage creativity, critical thinking and problem solving
- Learn about kinetic and potential energy
- Observe elasticity and friction as it applies to speed and force
- Apply the scientific method
- Innovate (design, build and evolve you own unique racer)
What tools will you need to do this activity?
|
Process |
Process Description |
Recommended Tool |
Alternate Tool |
|
Cutting |
Cutting dowels, strips, recycling bin items, etc. |
|
Saw, Pruning Shears |
|
Reaming |
Change splined holes in components from press fit (dowels press and stay) to loose fit (dowels are able to slide and rotate). |
|
#3 Drill Bit and Drill |
|
Screwing |
Tighten and loosen screws |
|
None |
|
Holding and Pulling |
Hold nuts, pull apart components |
Pliers (Optional)
|
None |
Sets of tools can be found here.
Make your Rubber Band Racer even better by incorporating recycling bin material. 
What's in the Rubber Band Racer Activity?
| Component: | Adv 10pk Quantity: | Adv Single Quantity: | 10pk Quantity: |
| Connector Strips | 60 | 6 | 6 |
| 50 Tooth Gears | 10 | 1 | 0 |
| 40 Tooth Gears | 10 | 1 | 0 |
| 20 Tooth Gears | 10 | 1 | 0 |
| 10 Tooth Gears | 10 | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 20 | 2 | 20 |
| Hole Plates | 20 | 2 | 20 |
| 300mm Slide-Stop Material | 3 | 1/3 (100mm) | 2 |
| Wheels | 40 | 4 | 40 |
| Stop Clips | 40 | 4 | 20 |
| Rubber Bands | 100 | 10 | 100 |
| 1" Screws | 40 | 4 | 40 |
| Hex Nuts | 40 | 4 | 40 |
| Dowels | 80 | 8 | 50 |
This is an educational product and not a toy. It is intended for use by ages 9 and above with adult supervision.
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Parents,
Click here to see our best sellers for STEM Home Learning and MAKER projects to let your kids tinker with and learn at the same time!
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