LEGO Dacta Motorized Simple Machine Set
Rubber Band Car Project

Problem: Build a car that is powered by the strain energy of a rubber band
Note:  The gear in the back is used only as a catch for the rubber band
to help it start wrapping around the axle.
The bushing on the axle at the very front of the car is to loop the rubber band around.

Question: How does the length or width of a rubber band change how far the car can travel?
Question:Why does having the rubber band come loose when it unwinds
help the car continue to travel?

Question:What is inertia?

Question:How far did your car travel?


Linda Hamilton
LEGO Links of Linda Hamilton
ATI Transportation k12 LEGO Projects
April 7, 2001


Teacher Notes, Materials, & Procedure
Teacher Notes: Age Level:  2nd to 8th Grades
Materials: LEGO Dacta Motorized Simple Machine Sets or eLAB Sets
Colored pencils, markers, and/or crayons optional
Procedure: 1) Two students work together per LEGO set
2) One student should be in charge of making sure the building is done carefully and pieces are placed back at the end
3) One student should be in charge of making sure the journal report is done well and turned in for documentation and/or evaluation
Math Concepts: Measuring in inches and centimeters
Science Concepts: Strain energy inertia

West Virginia IGOs Covered
5.36 Estimate and/or measure the length of real objects in parts of an inch up to 1/8 inch, while inches, feet, yeards, miles, millimeters, centimeters, meters, and kilometers
5.44 Compute and convert customary and metric units of measure within the same system in problem-solving situations
5.45 Compute and convert customary and metric units and tolls for measuring to desired degree of precision
5.1 Develop a conceptual framework of scientific principles
5.3 Evaluate the interrelationships of scientific concepts to everyday life by making informed decisions and choices using scientific reasoning and knowledge
5.10 Cooperate and collaborate to ask questions, find answers, solve problems and conduct investigations to further an appreciation and joy of scienctific discovery
5.13 Formulate conclusions through close observations, logic, objectivity, perseverance and integrity in data collection 
5.17 Use inferential reasoning to make logical conclusions from collected data 
5.21 Engage in active inquiries,k investigations, and hands-on activities for a minimum of 50% of the instructional time to develop conceptual understanding and laboratory skills
5.31 Explain the affects of force on motion

Davis Creek Elementary LEGO Site Map 2001
Davis Creek Elementary LEGO Site Map 1998-2000
Davis Creek Elementary

April 14, 2001
S. Simon