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.

Concepts

energy transfer, potential energy, kinetic energy, design, engineering design, vehicle design, technology resources

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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