Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hey-I have a project in 8th Grade Physical Science (which is taught by a highschool teacher who decided hat even though we were in 8th she would give us the same stuff as she did highschoolers) where I have to make a self propelling car using Newtons Laws and talk about them. Criteria;
1. MUST BE SELF-PROPELLED-If we have to push, slingshot, blow on, kick, or in any way move the car, we lose points-and once we set it down, we cant touch it etc; it must move on its own.
2.May only use (but don't have to use all of) the materials provided-2 sheets of paper, 4 paper clips, 2 straws, 4 giant index cards, 3 rubber bands, and glue/tape (for attachment purposes only)
3. Must travel at least 30 cm on smooth, flat surface-the longer it travels, the more bonus points (some people have gone up to 5 m!)
4. May not use electrical, solar, or chemical energy.
5. Must be explained using all 3 of Newton's Laws.
Also, I just want ideas/websites and help understanding stuff behind it.
Thanks!


[Administrator note -- you should spend some time doing research and brainstorming solutions. Experts will not simply find a solution for you to build.]

Hi thehallowedmoustache,

You might want to review the project described here:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... -challenge

This project uses a different set of materials to make a self-propelled car but the background section and bibliography should be useful to you. And you may get some ideas about building your car from the material list you mentioned.

Some additional information on Newton's laws of motion can be found here:

https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/airplane/newton.html

https://sciencing.com/newtons-laws-of-m ... 45624.html

https://www.khanacademy.org/science/phy ... wtons-laws

I hope this helps. Please ask again if you have more questions.

A. Norman