Rubber Band Powered Car
Build a lightweight car powered by a twisted rubber band to explore energy storage and friction.
Materials
- Cardboard chassis
- Skewers/axles
- Bottle‑cap wheels
- Rubber band
- Straw bearings
Steps
- Assemble chassis with straw bearings and skewer axles.
- Attach bottle‑cap wheels; ensure they spin freely.
- Hook rubber band to rear axle; wind and release on smooth floor.
- Measure distance with different wheel sizes or band twists.
What’s happening (the science)
- Rubber bands store elastic potential energy; friction and mass affect range.
- Wheel diameter changes distance per axle turn (circumference).
Safety & cleanup
- Use blunt tools; adults cut cardboard.
- Keep rubber bands away from eyes.
Tip: Extend this activity by asking students to measure, graph, or compare versions (e.g., different designs or variables).