1 minute read

Do it yourself

Next Article
TWEEN spirit

TWEEN spirit

Wind-powered contraption

PROJECT COURTESY OF THE TECH MUSEUM OF INNOVATION, SAN JOSE

Have an aspiring engineer in the family? This project will surely put the wind in her sails. In this activity, provided by the Tech, the award-winning destination in San Jose where innovation and education converge, your kid makes a contraption — with sails that can capture the wind power of a fan that can carry a load. Any materials will work, but encourage your child to be creative, whether that means using a milk carton as the body or a piece of fabric as a sail. Keep in mind that it may take some time to assemble the vehicle — just remember that trial and error is part of the fun. (Hint: If the vehicle is a bit unsteady, try adding some weight.)

Materials

The vehicle can be built with whatever items you have around the house. Here are some ideas. For the body of a vehicle: fry baskets, strawberry baskets, paper cups, pipette trays, to-go food containers For a sail: cardstock, cardboard scraps, recycled paper, foam sheets. For wheels: cardboard tubes, CDs, bottle caps (with pre-drilled center holes), plastic lids, paper plates To provide structural integrity for sails or for wheel axles: straws, craft sticks, chopsticks For fasteners and fixers: masking tape, twist ties, string, rubber bands. For weight or balance: reclaimed scrap plastic parts.

Process

First, gather your materials. Next, set up your testing area. Find a spot that has a smooth surface, and place a fan at one end of your track and a finish line at the other Then build your vehicle. Test and retest until you have created a contraption that glides

This article is from: