Your Child Will Learn
How to build a simple machine that changes the speed and direction of objects
Here’s What to Do
- Gather a bunch of materials to build a toy race track (examples: cardboard boxes, toilet paper/paper towel rolls, blocks, pillows, baking sheets, pots and pans). Gather supplies to assemble the race track (scissors, tape, glue, string, rubber bands, paper clips). Find a small toy to “drive” on your track (like a toy car, a small ball, or a marble).
- With your child, make a path for your toy to “drive” on. Add some elements that might make the car speed up, slow down, or change direction.
- Test out your track! Push your toy along the path and observe how it moves.
- Experiment to see how you can fix any ‘trouble spots’ on the path to give the toy a smoother ride.
Put PEER Into Action
PAUSE
- Explain the activity and ask your child to help collect building materials from around the house. Got everything? You’re ready to start!
ENGAGE
- “What kinds of things should we use to build our race track? Tell me your ideas and I can help you put it together.”
- “What do you think would slow the car down? Maybe something bumpy the car has to roll on top of?”
ENCOURAGE
- If the car gets stuck, ask, “how could we change the track to make it go faster?” Let your child experiment to find the solution!
- “What do you think you could change about that ramp so that the car would have enough force to make it over the jump?”
REFLECT
- What were some things we did today to test and make our track better?
Not Quite Ready
Focus on experimenting with a ramp- how can you change the ramp to make the car go farther and faster?
Ready for More
Make more elaborate car race tracks (search ‘cardboard toy car race track,’ ‘cardboard toy car obstacle course’ and ‘cardboard toy car skate park’ on the Internet for inspiration)
As Your Child Masters This Skill
They will understand how simple machines (like ramps) can change the speed and direction of objects
Time to Complete
30-60 minutes
Materials Needed
Race track building materials (examples: cardboard boxes, toilet paper/paper towel rolls, blocks, pillows, baking sheets, pots and pans). Craft supplies: (scissors, tape, glue, string, rubber bands, paper clips). A ‘vehicle’ to test the track (small toy car, bouncy ball, marble)