Whilst learning about energy, our Year 9 students transformed into mechanical engineers and worked collaboratively in teams to design and build model race cars from recycled materials. At lunchtime on Tuesday 21 July, McAuley Hall held our inaugural OLMC Grand Prix, the following accounts are from the students who achieved spectacular results on the day.
After careful research, our team designed and built an elastic band-powered car using recycled materials, including skewers, milk bottle caps and CDs. We tested a few different prototype designs before choosing the best one. At first, the milk bottle cap wheels spun too quickly and didn’t have enough traction, so we added hair ties to the wheels. Even then, the wheels were too small, so we attached CDs to make them larger. The bigger wheels, combined with the hair ties, gave the car much better grip and helped it travel further. We really enjoyed working together, testing different ideas and improving our design until we created a winning rubber band racer. Also, big shout out to Natalie’s dad for helping us with the car!
Jessica H, Amelia H, Natalie M, Charlie R and Zara S (Year 9A students who won the race. Science Teacher: Mr Jonathon Broughton)
During our Energy Unit, my team built a rubber band racer using recycled cardboard, straws and wooden skewers. We tested our prototype several times and made changes to improve how far it travelled. We made sure the wheels and axles were straight, reduced friction so the car rolled more smoothly, and adjusted the rubber band to store more energy. These changes helped our racer travel much further. I really enjoyed building and testing the car because it was exciting to see how each improvement made a difference. Working together as a team allowed us to share ideas, solve problems and create the best racer we could.
Annie T (Year 9G who was awarded second place. Science Teacher: Ms Assimina Semertjis)
I really enjoyed taking part in the first ever OLMC Grand Prix and building my rubber band racer using recycled materials. I used cardboard for the body, cardboard for the wheels and wooden skewers for the axles. After testing my first prototype, I made a few changes, like making the wheels spin more smoothly, reducing the weight of the car and making sure everything was lined up properly. These adjustments helped my car travel much further. I really enjoyed designing, building, and testing my racer and it was exciting to see all of my hard work pay off. Working with my team was also a big part of our success because we shared ideas, helped each other solve problems and encouraged one another throughout the project. It was such a fun experience and I'm really proud of what we achieved.
Gemma P (Year 9H who made the top three racers. Science Teacher: Mr Darcy McLean)
Assimina Semertjis
Science Learning Leader
