Wooden Race Cars -- Race Day: Thurs. Mar. 7

Each student has been given a wooden car.  To help us learn about force and friction, students will be using these cars in a Science Lab.  At home, students have the options of decorating and modifying their cars with the intent of making them go faster.  All cars need to return to school on Thursday Mar. 7th for the big race.  Our class will turn the inside ramp (leading to the upstairs) into a race track, where students will be able to calculate how fast their car can travel (in meters per second) and race in friendly matches against their classmates.

Rules for Modifications:

• While students can modify the existing body, students cannot change the material (must keep the original wood)
•  Students can modify the wheels and axles (wooden doweling).  With that said, if you take apart the wheels from the doweling, there is a strong possiblity you will wreck the doweling.  In the past, students have replaced wheels and axles (with either wood or metal) and have used metal washers.   
• Students can add weight to the vehicle.  Note: Ensure the car is balanced, as it will need to roll in a straight line.
• Students are strongly encouraged to sand the wheels.  While doing this, explain how the friction from the sandpaper is allowing the wooden wheels to become smooth (thus producing less friction).

HINT:  Last year, the two fastest cars had the least modifications.  With that said, if the modifications are made correctly, it can increase the speed of the car. 

HINT:  Lubricate the axle (wooden dowel).  This will create less friction and will increase the speed.  Cooking spray works extremely well!

 Rules for Decorating the Car:

• There are NO RULES!  Students can decorate however they choose.
• Prizes:  The top five cars will win a prize.  Cars will be voted on by another class (or classes) to keep the process fair. 
• Group Prize:  Students will be put into six groups of four.  A group prize will also be given.  This encourages all students to decorate their car (to the best of their ability) while reminding students that they have a responsiblity to the rest of their group as each students score will go towards the groups overall mark.     

Race Day:  It will be a whole day process.  Students will perform a series of experiements using their wooden race cars dealing with force and friction.  After completing the lab, students will then race their cars (generally take 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes).  Parents are welcome to attend some or all of the race.

Special Event: Which car can travel the furthest?  A prize will be given to the car that can go the farthest on level ground   Last year, a student accomplished this feat without even touching the car!

 
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.

Special thanks to Wynndel Box and Lumber for donating wood from their scrap bin.