Gravity

Gravity and Friction, two forces we encounter constantly, can be harnessed to our advantage. Learn to put these forces to good use by building a car whose speed depends on weight, starting height, and gravity. Can you design a car with the greatest potential energy? This is your opportunity to make predictions and record your hypotheses. Distribute weights in various ways and learn what works best. Get creative and design a car that is truly yours. Further explore friction on different surfaces. Keep investigating for days to come!

Assemble and decorate the wheels, axles, chassis and driver of a wooden downhill racer. Then experiment with your creation.. Measure the distance it travels from the end of its track on a ramp. Change the pitch of the track and measure again. A wonderful hands-on exploration of measurement, gravity, friction, and energy.