MISSION 05 · CREATIVE ENGINEERING
Reuse your rolling chassis and compare stored energy with escaping air.
2 · Make It Move
Your new skill: Reuse the chassis with a stored-energy mechanism.
Revisit the skill you will reuse: Previous main-path mission
Match the names to your parts before you build. New parts appear when you first need them. You can point, say the name or show a grown-up.
A balloon can hold air. Escaping air can push a car; a rubbed dry balloon can attract tiny paper pieces.
Look for: Find the uninflated balloon and its neck.
Before using it: An adult inflates and ties it where needed. Keep broken pieces away from young children and stop if anyone has a latex allergy.
Your turn: Point to the neck where air will leave; save the test for the mission.
Glue and tape join parts. A stretched or twisted rubber band can store energy for a small moving model.
Look for: Find the joining material and band named in the mission.
Before using it: Let glue set; use small gentle twists and never aim a stretched band at anyone. Change only the joint or band test the mission names.
Your turn: Point to a joint that must stay fixed and a part that must stay free to move.
A ruler measures distance. A timer measures elapsed time. Your paper records a prediction and result so you can compare tests.
Look for: Find the cm marks or the timer display and a place to draw or write.
Before using it: Use the same start point and method each time. You can say, point or draw your evidence instead of writing long answers.
Your turn: Choose the mark where the first measurement will begin.
A video demonstration will appear here when it is ready. You can follow the written step now.
Before we build, match these names to the parts in front of you. Balloon. A balloon can hold air. Escaping air can push a car; a rubbed dry balloon can attract tiny paper pieces. Find the uninflated balloon and its neck. An adult inflates and ties it where needed. Keep broken pieces away from young children and stop if anyone has a latex allergy. Glue tape and rubber bands. Glue and tape join parts. A stretched or twisted rubber band can store energy for a small moving model. Find the joining material and band named in the mission. Let glue set; use small gentle twists and never aim a stretched band at anyone. Change only the joint or band test the mission names. Ruler timer and evidence sheet. A ruler measures distance. A timer measures elapsed time. Your paper records a prediction and result so you can compare tests. Find the cm marks or the timer display and a place to draw or write. Use the same start point and method each time. You can say, point or draw your evidence instead of writing long answers. Pause and point to the part that will do the main job in this mission. If it is missing or looks different, ask a grown-up before building.
WHAT YOU'LL USE
Kit list: match the named parts to your box and its component cards. Home list: gather these before starting; some may also be supplied in your kit. Reuse components between missions. Stop and ask a grown-up if an essential part or label is missing.
BEFORE YOU BUILD
Work on a clear table with a grown-up nearby. An adult handles cutting or making holes. Keep small parts away from mouths and younger children. Stop if a part breaks or a sharp edge appears. Cover the paper-clip ends. Stop winding before the band is tight or the frame bends. Keep fingers and faces clear; never release a stretched band as a projectile.
YOUR REWARD
PREDICT BEFORE YOU BEGIN
What do you think will happen? Say it, point to it or draw it. Then test your idea.
BEFORE YOU BUILD
• Read every step before using glue. • Lay out the structure without glue first. • Mark centre lines, axle positions or wire routes. • Check the adult-help label at the start of the mission. • Keep moving and electrical parts removable where possible.
PAUSE AND CHECK
Can the moving part turn, slide or balance in your dry layout? Fix the geometry now. Glue only after the movement makes sense.
YOUR CHALLENGE
NEW POWER-UP
You will build an elastic drive, wind it consistently and compare distance fairly.
You have just practised make a rolling chassis before adding air propulsion. Now: reuse the chassis with a stored-energy mechanism.
BUILD PATH
STEP 1 OF 8
Reuse the freely rolling chassis, straw bearings, axles and cap wheels from the balloon car. Remove the balloon and nozzle. Check that the wheels still turn without rubbing.
A video demonstration will appear here when it is ready. You can follow the written step now.
Reuse the freely rolling chassis, straw bearings, axles and cap wheels from the balloon car. Remove the balloon and nozzle. Check that the wheels still turn without rubbing.
WHAT'S REALLY HAPPENING?
Twisting the rubber band stores elastic potential energy. When released, the band turns the axle. Wheel grip changes axle rotation into forward motion.
Wind-up toys, elastic-powered models and spring mechanisms store energy before releasing it.
FAIR-TEST CHALLENGE
Change one feature, keep the rest the same and repeat your comparison.
WHEN IT DOESN'T WORK YET
WHAT YOU NOTICE POSSIBLE REASON TRY THIS Axle spins but car stays Drive wheels slip Add a thin rubber-band tyre or reduce vehicle weight. Band unwinds without turning axle Band is not gripping axle Wrap it around the axle more securely or add a small hook. Car turns Wheel or axle alignment problem Use the same alignment check from Mission 5.
CLEAN, RESET AND STORE
Switch off and disconnect any battery. Remove tape gently to recover reusable parts; store electronics dry and free of glue.
NEXT SKILL
Guide a light load with a pulley.