All Challenges

Challenge 008 · Ages 9–14

Rubber Band Car

Design and build a car powered by elastic energy.

Primary STEAM area

Engineering

The Challenge

What will your learner investigate?

Can you design a rubber-band-powered car that travels as far as possible?

Learning outcomes

  • Explain stored elastic energy and energy transfer.
  • Build a working wheel-and-axle system.
  • Measure performance and optimise the vehicle through testing.

Connected learning

Science: energy, friction and forces; Mathematics: distance and wheel dimensions; Design & Technology: mechanisms; English: evaluation.

Dream Areas

Automotive engineeringmechanical engineeringtransport designphysicsproduct development