Day Eight Science Challenge: Penguin Races

• Using a toilet paper roll, create a SCAPA penguin. Be creative!

• Cut a very long piece of string/yarn/ribbon.

• Tie one end of the string to an object up high. [It doesn't need to be super high. The back of a chair will work. It just needs to be higher than the other end. You could make an outdoor racing string too...]

• Slide your SCAPA penguin onto the string. [Just thread the string through the toilet paper roll]

• Now attach the other end of your string to an object that is lower or near the ground.

• Pull your SCAPA penguin up to the top of the string. Let it go and watch as it races down the string.

Now ask yourself the following questions and experiment with making your penguin a faster racer...

• Could you change the string to different heights? Would this change your penguins race performance?

• Could you add weight to your penguin?

• Could you alter the design of your penguin?

Another option is to place two strings side by side and have students race their penguins to see which one wins.

Photodocument and/or video the races and then submit