Rubber Band Boat

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In this activity, learners build styrofoam boats powered by twisted rubber bands. Use this activity to introduce learners to potential energy, kinetic energy, Newton's Laws of Motion, rotational motion, and density. Note: a drill is required for this activity, and is not included in the cost of materials. [Activity is publicly available through a web crawler capture on Archive.org.]

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per student
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • 2 binder clips
  • 1 paint paddle or similar shaped wood
  • 5-7 rubber bands, thin
  • 2 washers
  • 1 2-liter plastic bottle, empty
  • 1 paperclip
  • 1 nail
  • 1 pushpin
  • 1 bead
  • 1 glue stick, 1/4" long
  • electrical tape
  • styrofoam
  • drill
  • pliers
  • decorations
  • container of water or pond

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Transportation Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
    • Energy
      • Potential and Kinetic Energy
      • Energy and Power
      • Work and Machines
    • Motion and Forces
      • Newton's Laws
      • Rotation Motion
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Volume and Density
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Model Building
  • Toys
  • Transportation

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Watsonville Environmental Science Workshop

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Watsonville Environmental Science Workshop, 2011

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