Task Page
Recycled Racers


You will work with your partner to construct a model racer from a 20-ounce soda bottle, corrugated cardboard, and other usually discarded materials. Later you will test the racer by racing it down an inclined ramp. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Visit National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (http://www.nascar.com) and That's Racin' (http://www.thatsracin.com) and list some factors that affect real races. What are some complications that could occur before a race and during a race? If necessary, conduct an Internet search to find additional information on race cars.





2. Visit Ford Motor Company
(http://www2.ford.com/display.asp?story=358) and list three ways the Ford Company is trying to clean up the environment.

A.


B.


C.



3. Make sure you understand the construction process as demonstrated by your teacher. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

4. Brainstorm construction ideas with your partner and decide if you want to bring in additional building materials. If so, make a list of them here.

A.
B.
C.
D.

5. Construct your Recycled Racer.
  • Cut a corrugated cardboard base about the same length and width as a 20-ounce soda bottle. The base can either be rectangular or the same shape as the bottle.
  • Use hot glue to attach the base to the bottle. Be careful when using the HOT glue gun. (For best results put glue on the cardboard and then attach other materials, such as the bottle or straw.)
  • Use small drinking straws as axle holders. Cut two pieces of straw about 2" long. Glue one piece to the front, and one to the rear, of the base.
  • Use wheels from discarded toys or make the wheels from plastic bottle tops.
  • Cut 1/8" dowels to desired length for axles. The dowels should be as long as the width of the base.
  • Attach one wheel to the dowel, place it through the rear axle holder (straw), and then attach the other wheel. Repeat for the two front wheels.

6. Test your vehicle on the ramp. Make changes to try to increase the distance it travels on the level floor. Keep these challenges in mind:
Challenge 1: to get your vehicle to travel as far as possible.

Challenge 2: to have it stop at the goal line that will be marked on the floor.

7. Three variables will affect your racer's performance: vehicle weight, incline of the ramp, and where you start the racer on the ramp. Experiment by changing only one variable at a time. This will help you understand how it affects overall performance.

8. Apply what you learned through experimentation to complete Challenge 1. Record the results in the Race Chart indicating the weight of the vehicle, height of the ramp, and the ramp's length. Average the distance for two trials.

9. Make changes if necessary so you are ready for Challenge 2. This time you want to get your racer to stop at the end of the goal line. Record the data for two trials on the Race Chart, and count the best one.

Extensions

10. Make a color sketch of your Recycled Racer.

11. Write a paragraph to summarize what you learned.

12. In a portfolio, organize all your Recycled Racer materials. Submit the portfolio and the vehicle to your teacher for evaluation.
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