PROJECT:
Due to a 70% chance of rain our 4/3 Project SOAR (Aerodynamics – Kite Flying) kickoff quickly morphed into Project ZOOM (Mechanics + Aerodynamics – Rubber Band Cars)!
STEAM Makers didn’t miss a beat moving into the DREAM LAB to aim high on designs (most wanted a “Lambo” aka Lamborghini, Porsche or Slingshot), engage in lots of shop talk and race finished models!
MATERIALS:
- 1 – cardboard tube
- 2 – wood dowels
- 4 – recycled CDs
- 4 – 1″ x 3/4″ wooden craft spools
- 2 – drinking straws
- 4 – large buttons
- 10 – medium rubber bands
- 1 – paper clip
- Cool to have – decorative tape (for racing stripes), paint, stickers and glitter!
- Instructors – a hot glue gun, pair of scissors and hole puncher
CONCEPTS EXPLORED:
- Aerodynamics
- Design Concepts
- Prototype Development
- Engineering – Design Assembly
- Design Enhancements
- Performance Analysis
FINAL ANALYSIS:
All good designs require analysis and improvement to become GREAT. While we enjoyed the development process and loved the design “look”, we’re not convinced the model holds-up well on the performance side.
STEAM MAKER CHALLENGE:
What design modifications and enhancements could be made to improve car endurance and performance?
REFERENCE:
For step-by-step Rubber Band Car instructions, please visit Crafts by Amanda here.
