On March 20, 2025, XFYD Westminster hosted a dynamic STEM class at Thomas House Family Shelter, where students explored the science of motion through the hands-on construction of rubber band-powered cars. The event was designed to introduce young learners to core physical science concepts in a fun and memorable way.
Starting with Curiosity
The event kicked off with a warm welcome and ice-breaker questions designed to get the students thinking like engineers. XFYD volunteers posed questions such as:
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“If you could design any kind of car, what would it look like?”
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“How would you power a small car using everyday materials?”
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“What kind of wheels help a car go farther or faster?”
Students eagerly shared their ideas, earning candy for participation and setting the stage for scientific exploration. These opening questions sparked creativity and encouraged the kids to think about energy, design, and function before even picking up their materials.
From Blueprint to Build
Once everyone was ready, students teamed up with volunteers to construct rubber band cars using accessible materials like construction paper, CD wheels, wooden skewers, and, of course, rubber bands. Volunteers guided each step—from crafting a strong car base to setting up axles and installing the rubber band propulsion system.
As the building process unfolded, students not only followed instructions but also made design choices, enhancing their understanding of structural integrity and problem-solving.
STEM Concepts in Action
As the cars took shape, the focus shifted to the STEM principles behind them. Volunteers used simple, relatable explanations to break down key scientific concepts:
Elastic Potential Energy
Students learned that winding up the rubber band stores energy, much like stretching a spring. This energy is known as elastic potential energy.
Kinetic Energy
When the rubber band is released, it spins the axle and turns the wheels—transforming potential energy into kinetic energy, or energy of motion.
Newton’s Laws of Motion
The activity was also a practical demonstration of Newton’s Laws:
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1st Law: The car remains at rest until the force from the rubber band sets it into motion.
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2nd Law: A stronger or tighter rubber band results in greater acceleration.
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3rd Law: As the rubber band pulls on the axle, the wheels push back on the surface, propelling the car forward.
Friction & Surface Interaction
Students discussed how different surfaces (like carpet vs. tile) affect how far the cars travel. They also explored how too little friction causes spinning in place, while too much friction can slow the car down.
Air Resistance
To maximize distance, students were encouraged to think about the shape and weight of their cars, learning how aerodynamics can influence performance.
Reflecting, Testing, and Improving
After test runs, students regrouped to discuss the results. They answered deeper questions like:
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“What changes would make your car go farther or faster?”
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“How did the surface you tested on affect the result?”
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“What would you try differently next time?”
These reflections not only reinforced scientific thinking but also introduced students to the concept of iteration—the process of improving a design through testing and feedback.
Sweet Science, Lasting Lessons
As a final treat, each student got to keep their rubber band car—an exciting, hands-on reminder of the lesson. More than just a fun craft, the cars symbolized an understanding of science in action and the joy of learning by doing.
Through this activity, students discovered that STEM isn’t just in textbooks—it’s in motion, in design, and even in the rubber bands hiding in kitchen drawers. The event left students empowered, curious, and excited to keep exploring.
