1 of 8

Notes for the teacher

Today’s activity for the Voyagers is to create, in teams, a chariot that goes down a ramp. They can then race their chariots to see which one goes the farthest.

Goals

  • Explore the physics of wheels, axels, and ramps
  • Explore the design process
  • Fulfill criteria while staying within constraints
  • Creatively use limited materials

Materials

  • 1 cup per team
  • Straws (many)
  • Craft sticks (many)
  • 1 sheet of cardstock per team
  • Paper clips (many)
  • Tape
  • Scissors
  • CDs or Lifesavers (for wheels; 2 per team)
  • Pipe cleaners (many)
  • Cardboard to build ramp (1 box per class)
  • Rulers or tape measures (1 per team)
  • Prize for winner (optional)

2 of 8

CHARIOTS

4th - 6th Grade

3 of 8

What was chariot racing like in ancient times?

4 of 8

Your task: Build a chariot!

In teams:

  • Use the given materials to build a chariot that rolls. Nothing will be pulling the chariot; it will use gravity to push it down the ramp your teacher has built!
    • 1 cup
    • Straws
    • Craft sticks
    • 1 sheet of cardstock
    • Paper clips
    • Tape
    • Scissors
    • CDs (for wheels; 2 per team)
    • Pipe cleaners
  • You will have 25 minutes to build.
  • You will have a chance to try your chariots on the ramp before you race. Ask your teacher first!

5 of 8

Some example chariots

https://www.instructables.com/Recycling-CDs-Into-Race-Cars/

6 of 8

Questions as you work

  • What will you use for an axle for your CD wheels?

​

  • How will you get your wheels and axles to turn?

​

  • What challenges are you running into as you try to make a chariot that rolls? How will you address them as you iterate?
    • Is anything dragging on the ground?
    • Are the wheels stuck?

7 of 8

Race time!

In teams:

  • Start 2 chariots at the top of the ramp.

​

  • Release them at the same time.

​

  • The chariot that goes the farthest wins that race!

​

  • Measure how far the chariots went with measuring tapes. See if you can beat your score. And the chariot that makes it the farthest wins the Olympic wreath! (or whatever prize your teacher has)

8 of 8

Acknowledgements

  • Slide template from here
  • Chariot photo on title slide from here
  • Video from here
  • Chariot example images from here, here, here, and here
  • Ideas for the activity from here