Activity

Spool Racer Design and Competition

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Wind it up and let it go. Individuals build a basic spool racer in the second portion of a six-part unit on energy. After receiving three criteria, pupils modify their designs to meet the new challenge. Pairs compete against each other to determine whose racer is the best.

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Instructional Ideas
  • Bring in wind-up cars that convert potential energy from a spring to motion as an introduction to the activity
  • Use the activity in conjunction with the introductory lesson on energy
Classroom Considerations
  • Requires wooden spools
Pros
  • Includes the worksheet as a docx, which allows for easy editing
  • Provides a video on how to make the basic design
Cons
  • None