Introduction: Paper Bobsledding

By https://usergeneratededucation.w

Bobsledding is often one of the favorite winter Olympic sports for spectators to watch. It is fast and fun. In addition, it is great way to teach students some basic physics principles. For this activity, students will make bobsleds and bobsled tracks from cardstock.

Supplies

  • 100 lb. cardstock - one or two pieces (plus straight track template [5 to 8 sheets] and curved track template [4 to 5 sheets] printed on the cardstock)
  • Old double AA batteries (2)
  • Optional - 3” wide packing tape (for tracks; to make them smoother)
  • scissors
  • hot glue

Step 1: Introduction to Bobsledding

To introduce students to this project, they are shown the following videos:

Step 2: Making the Bobsled

  • To make the bobsled, look at the images and/or watch the video (directions for the origami part of the bobsled were taken from https://youtu.be/TPNAOvWFOhw).
  • Draw and color in your graphic on the bobsled.
  • Hot glue the two AA batteries on the bottom to act as the bobsled runners

Step 3: Making the Tracks

  • The following templates can be used your tracks: 
  • Straight tracks https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1nhPqWyPIAZ4aQ2INn-oPDgK1jNOwpTwY8y9Wk0sLPZg/edit?usp=sharing for 
  • Curves https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1Wyl2kBrlWJkC_mMeg8phIQx9Bx8tyeBsODMSczLoojU/edit?usp=sharing.
  • Print them onto the 110 lb. cardstock - about 6 to 8 straight tracks and 2 or 3 of the curves per individual or group.
  • As the templates indicate, cut on the solid lines and fold on the dotted lines.
  • To make the curves cut along the solid lines. Then overlap individual segments. Apply tape to these overlaps, doing a partial segment at a time. 
  • Testing each component of your track separately, especially the curves (the bobsled won’t make it around curves that are too severe), will help you to better fail quickly and learn from these mistakes before you get too far into your build. Experiment with the overlaps. Too much and the curve will be too extreme. Remember, failing is a good thing when you learn from it! 
  • Connect the individual tracks with tape. Insure that there is an overlap between the individual track intersections. This provides increased strength and stability. Make sure the top of the overlap faces "downhill." Also tape the sides of the tracks upward and together.
  • To increase potential speed, line the tracks with 3" wide packing tape.
  • Decide how you want to support your track. Use materials and resources such as books, walls, and furniture.

Step 4: Putting It All Together

This is what is looks like when it's all put together: bobsleds and tracks made, tracks hung, and bobsleds sliding down the tracks.