Games
Rubber Cart
In this games, kids create a car powered by a stretched rubber band which moves forward in a high speed when they let of the rubberband.
Materials
- Cardboard
- Masking Tape
- Bottle Cap
- Straw
- Sausage Stick
- Scissor
- Paper Cup
- Pebbles
- Rubber
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Checklist
Older game
how to play
Divide the children into groups of 2–3. Begin with a story, such as inventors in a future city where cars no longer run on petrol but are powered by simple energy sources like rubber bands, to spark imagination. Provide each group with cardboard, bottle caps (for wheels), sticks, rubber bands, and tape. Explain that their challenge is to design and build a rubber-powered cart that can race forward when the rubber band is stretched and released. Encourage them to think about how to attach the wheels securely, where to connect the rubber band, and how to make the cart move smoothly. If children struggle, give hints such as: How can the rubber band be twisted to store more energy? How can the wheels be made stronger so they don’t fall off? Once complete, let the groups test their carts in short races, comparing distances and speeds, and give them time to adjust and improve their designs. This way, they not only enjoy play but also learn about motion, stored energy, and simple mechanics.
Challanges
- Let them choose how many rubber bands they want to use.
- Give them fewer rubber bands than they ask for. Add some weight to the launcher.
- Letting them figure out how it works on their own can be a challenge.
Questions to be asked
- What else could we use instead of a rubber band to make the car go? Why not use thread?
- What changes when we use a longer or shorter rubber band?
- How can we make our rubber band car go faster?
- How far do you think your rubber band car can travel when you wind it up really tight?