Motion and Design

The fifth grade science unit focusing on Motion and Design is a favorite each year.  In order to understand rubber band energy, students must work together to build and test a standard vehicle under various conditions.  In this lab, students record and measure the distance a rubber band powered vehicle travels when the rubber band is wound twice, four times, and eight times around an axle.  Students will eventually combine this knowledge and other important concepts about vehicle design, motion, energy, and friction to create their own vehicle and compete in a fifth grade race.