Alpha science classroom：DIY a Rubber Band–Powered Car

Cars are very helpful to human beings. They can drive on any rugged road and provide the best help for us to travel. At the same time, cars are also one of the most favorite toys for children. Today, Alpha science classroom and the children together DIY a Rubber Band - Powered Car, using a simple Rubber Band  Powdered car children physical science experiment, help children to learn physics scientific knowledge of science and engineering, and the children together to produce Rubber Band Powered car, open the doors of science, for the children to learn about the wonders of physics and engineering knowledge.

Alpha science classroom: DIY a Rubber Band–Powered Car required materials

• physical

• Potential energy

• kinetic energy

• Energy saving

• Simple machine

Alpha science classroom: DIY a Rubber Band--Powered production steps

Step 1: The children wrap a rubber band around the exposed part of the rubber band, and then cut a gap in the cardboard and straw.

Step 2: The children use tape to stick the rubber band on the string to prevent it from slipping off-when the string rotates, the rubber band should rotate with it.

Step 3: Cut a small slot in the middle of the cardboard, hook the paperclip into the slot, and hook the free end of the rubber band on the paperclip. Wind the axle connected to the rubber band. If necessary, clamp the rubber band to the axle when starting to prevent it from slipping.

Step 4: The children put down the car and then loosen the driving axle. what's happening? Is your car moving? How far did it go?

If the children’s car doesn’t move, it’s time for some troubleshooting.

If the rubber band does not loosen at all, wrap it tighter and try again. Children can also try to change the position of the paperclip slot to adjust the tightness of the rubber band.

If the rubber band is untied, but the axle does not rotate, it means that the rubber band may not be firmly fixed to the fork. Try to connect it to the skewers by tying a knot or using hot glue.

If the wheels spin but the car is not moving at all, there may not be enough friction between the CD and the ground. Try to use the car on other surfaces. If it still does not solve the problem, try to make the CD more gripping by stretching a rubber band around the CD or spreading a small drop of hot melt glue on the edge. (Before testing the children's car again, let the glue dry completely.)

The kids continue to try the rubber band-powered car you made. Make some small changes to it, and then test again. How far can the children drive?

Bonus: Think about the "fuel economy" of a rubber band-powered car. Gasoline-powered cars use miles per gallon or how many miles per gallon can travel to calculate their fuel economy. Children’s cars use stretched rubber bands instead of gasoline as energy sources. How do you measure the "fuel economy" of different designs? For example, how many feet can a children's car travel during each initial winding of the axle? How will different rubber bands or different paperclip positions change? What makes you have the best fuel economy?

Additional: Test different types of rubber bands to provide power for your rubber band-powered car. Is it suitable for long and short bonds? Thick or thin?

Extra: try to use different materials to make cars. What happens if you use bottle caps instead of CDs instead of wheels or pencils instead of strings instead of axles?

Extra: Do this project with friends or family. Everyone can build their own car and see who can get the farthest.

Bonus: Children can build a car that is driven by balloons instead of rubber bands.

Alpha science classroom: DIY Rubber Band–Powered Car observation results

When the children tighten the axle of the car, the children will tighten the rubber band and store potential energy. When loosened, the rubber band begins to loosen, and as the car advances, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. The more the rubber band stretches, the more potential energy is stored, and the faster the car travels.

In theory, this sounds good, but in practice, you may still find it difficult. There are several things that may prevent your car from operating properly. If the wheels are not aligned properly, they may wobble or jam and prevent the car from rolling smoothly. The rubber band will slide relative to the wooden axle to prevent the wheels from slipping. Even if the wheels rotate, there may be insufficient friction with the ground, causing the wheels to rotate in place without moving the car. These are challenges that children can overcome with a little engineering!

The children were very happy when they saw the car driven by the rubber band-powered car they made. Alpha Science Classroom's kids science experiments ended today. Did the children learn the knowledge of physical science experiment and engineering science in it? If kids want to learn more about fun physical science experiment,

check out Alpha Science Classroom for more fun kid's science experiments and do another physical science experiment with their hands. Or pick your favorite toy set in Alpha Science Toys' Physics Science Experiment Kit and discover more about the wonders of physics science and become the best science geek ever.