1. Given the challenge and the performance of your car on Test Drive #1, what change(s) did you make for Test Drive #2?
We made the rubber band bigger so it could have more energy and then it would go further.
2. What differences did you predict these changes would make in your car’s performance? What makes you think this?
I thought that it would make it go further, we thought that because we saw our friend’s build and saw that they had a large rubber band so we thought we would give it a shot.
3. Think about the variables such as the size of the spool, weight of the washer or tension of the rubber band. How might these affect how far or how fast your car will go?
The weight would affect the car because it would weigh down the car and slow it down. It would slow down because the rubber band would have to generate more elastic energy.
4. What worked better the second time?
It definitely went further because we shot it right and we had a better build.
5. What still is not quite working?
We still don’t shoot it right on the 1st try.
6. What questions do I have?
None
7. What might I try next?
Lessen the weight of the racer so that it can go further.
8. Explain the energy transfer that is taking place in the racer.
When we pull back the rubber band it is generating elastic energy and when we let go of the band, it converts that elastic energy into kinetic energy sending the racer flying.