Science - Wind Racer

Aim: To make the most efficient wind racer which would either go the furthest or looks the most creative. 

Method: 

• Gather all your equipment
• Set up your trolley and your bamboo stick, by placing the stick in the hole. 
• Cut a plastic bag into a partially large rectangle a size that would suit the stick. 
• Repeat with newspaper or paper. 
• Tape your first rectangle to the rod.
• Repeat with your other material. 
• After use sticks to create a structure for the sail, we used skewers but you can use another material. - Since we used a whole newspaper page, we stuck 2 skewers together from the ends. Making it longer. 
• Stick one pair at the top and another one at the bottom
• Depending on the size of your sail and rod place one or two pairs in the middle too. 
• After, make sure everything is secure by using tape in places that are weak. 
• Finally, decorate to make the appearance look more appealing. 

Equipment: 

Newspaper, plastic bag, tape, trolley, bamboo/metal rod, skewers.

Results: 

(Ours didn't look this way and were also provided with a trolley and rod, so ours were definitely bigger.)

Discussion: 

As the wind racer was under unbalanced forces, it was able to accelerate as we blew wind towards the sail. It was able to thrust/go forward, but before that while, a wind racer was staying stationary. This meant that it was under balanced forces, meaning the net forces were even. Friction was applied to the wheels of the wind racer; one of the reasons for it slowing down. Another obvious reason is that the wind wasn't able to reach the sail anymore. Which is a requirement for a sailboat or car. The last reason is that it wasn't in a great place as it drove right into the bark falling over. 

Conclusion: 

Our wind racer project was a success while racing with other groups of wind racers. From what I recall ours came second. But I know we would've ćame first if had putten it in a different position. Away from any disruptions, some improvisions I would have made would be, making the sail more creative. But not only that I found that we should've made our sail more stable by possibly. Sticking sticks to the base and string the sail to the sticks, would make sure the sail. Wouldn't spin around (which is what ours did), and another tip for me would be to make a better. Sail structure so it could catch more wind, but not too weak or too much, which would make it act as a parachute. If it did react like then it wouldn't go as fast as the sail would just hold the wind - slowing it down. 

But overall I really enjoyed this activity and it was great for everyone to contribute in teams. Not only was it fun but it was able to actively teach us about forces, which could make things easier for our tests.