Rubber Band Car

Mike Rigsby gives step-by-step instructions to construct a rubber band car made from cardboard, pencils and rubber bands. The friction-reducing bearings are made from aluminum foil, and the long distance double-axle dual pulley uses monofilament fishing line. The average range for the car with the features described in the Rigsby article is 5-10 meters on smooth floors. The Fab Lab twist – Rigsby provides a template that you can use to laser-cut your cardboard. Reference: Mike Rigsby, Amazing Rubber Band Cars, Chicago Review Press, 2008, pp 1-12 (The Basic Rubber Band Car); 17-22 (Bearings and Friction); and 23-31 (Distance Car) (use the hyperlink to view and/or download).

Zach Tonner took it a step further by redesigning the Mike Rigsby car into a press-fit, easy to assemble model. Zach has provided

• Step-by-Step Making Instructions (below)
• Adobe Illustrator File
• Material Parts List

Your opportunity - build the Zach Tonner design. It should come close to 10 m distance and successfully make it across the Evel Knievel jump with a 0.5 m gap. If it does not....you have the template and your tinkering skills to improve the design to make it go farther and faster.

Summative Assessment - Reflective Post - Scoring Guide (Maximum of 85 points)

• Side-by-Side video - Your Car based on Zach's Model; Your Modified Car, 0, 5 or 10 points
• Side-by-Side Glam Shots - Your Car based on Zach's Model; Your Modified Car, 0, 5 or 10 points
• Adobe Illustrator drawing(s) - Your Modified Car, 0 or 5 points
• Picture or you and your Modified Car, 0 or 10 points
• Performance - your car based on Zach's model and your modified car; include farthest distance traveled and maximum gap across the Evel Knievel Jump - 10 points
• Post at least 4 images on Shared Google Drive - 0 or 10 - Include 1) Adobe Illustrator Drawing(s) - Your Modified Car; 2) and 3) Glam Shots of Your Car based on Gabe's Model; Your Modified Car; and 4) Picture of you and your Modified Car - 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20 points
• Reflection 1- describe the improvements in performance (go faster, straighter, or farther), 0, 5 or 10 points
• Reflection 2 - describe what you did to modify Zach's design, 0, 5 or 10 points

EVEL KNIEVEL DAREDEVIL JUMP - WRONG WAY AND RIGHT WAY