Energy Zone Derby

Setting Up the Energy Zone Derby:

1. Divide students into teams of four.
2. Set up a table at the front of the room displaying a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
3. Ask each group to nominate a chief engineer to take an inventory of potential parts - to
   survey what kind of produce are available for construction.
4. Ask each engineer to discuss what the choices are with his/her group members. The group should then determine which fruits and vegetables they’ll need for their car, for the body, the wheels, etc.
5. It’s time to put it all together. Each team assembles its own car. The only items which may be used in construction are:
   
   
   • fresh fruits and vegetables
   • 3 bamboo skewers (any size)
   • 4 toothpicks
   • 1 rubber band (any size)
     
     

   The bamboo skewers, toothpicks and rubber band may be broken or cut as needed, and the cars may be decorated.
   
   

Racing Rules:

1. Set up board no larger than 4 feet by 8 feet to be used as the ramp.
2. Position the ramp at an approximate 30 degree angle. For best results, set up the ramp on a tile or hardwood floor so the racers can coast as far as possible!
3. Call each team to the ramp one at a time. The back wheels of the car must be lined up with the top of the board and then released, allowing it to coast. Students should not be allowed to push their cars down the ramp. Only one car at a time is allowed down the ramp.
4. Mark the distance traveled with masking tape, then measure the distance from the top of the ramp to the front end of the main car body.
5. After all teams have raced their cars, allow students to make adjustments and go for a second run. Each team’s score will be the best out of two.