Propeller-Powered Zipline Racers

This lightning-fast project provides the thrill of propeller-driven thrust, but without the challenges of aerodynamic flight!

You can find the lesson plan, 1-page project sheet, and more project ideas at STEM-Inventions.com

How It Works

It's simple. Winding the propeller will store energy in a rubberband by twisting it. When released, the propeller rapidly unwinds and generates thrust, which pulls the craft along a low-friction zipline. However, the torque from the unwinding propeller can cause the entire racer to flip upside down. To counter this force, another force is introduced: drag. By attaching a paper cutout, drag perpendicular to the side of the racer is created, which helps prevent inversions.

Supplies

The Engineering Creation Kit has everything you need for this project and many more from STEM Inventions.

• Craft sticks
• Paperclips
• Plastic propellers (Larger pack)
• Card Stock
• Long rubber bands
• Masking tape
• Hot glue gun with safety nozzle
• Kite string
• Scissors

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Step 1: Safety and Tips

CAUTION! Pulling downward on the racer while it is hooked onto the zipline may cause it to be flung off the line upon being released. This can be dangerous when the propeller is rapidly unwinding. Be sure to directly supervise each student at least once as they attempt to launch their racer for the first time. Be sure to correct anyone who pulls on the zipline before a launch.

• Make sure the zipline is either highly visible or above everyone's head.
• Young students (grades 1-3) may need extra guidance while bending the paperclips, attaching the rubberbands, and properly launching the racer.
• Encourage your students to experiment, especially if they're in grades 4 and up - I'm always amazed by their innovations and improvements.

Comments

[spectrUMDiscoveryArea]

This has been such a fantastic activity to use in the classroom! I adapted it for use with largely 5th grade students, though have also facilitated it with kids in our museum and a number of freshmen students. Great ways to add math and science are to have students measure the time it takes to travel down the zipline and how far it goes, and calculate its speed. See my remix for more info, a handy speed calculator worksheet, and others tips. Thanks so much to LanceMakes for this inspiration!

https://www.instructables.com/id/Zipline-Racers-Detailed-Instructable-Remix/

[LanceMakes]

Amazing! So glad this activity inspired you to create your own remix and share it!

[shllys26]

Where can I get template for animal shapes, to go one the zip line racer? This is great!

[LanceMakes]

Hello! I've long since discarded my templates - sorry. To create them, I just printed out silhouettes of images I found online, then traced them onto thin cardboard and cut them out for students to use. Have fun!

[26hersheys]

I made it for a science project.

[gharrel6163]

My friends pictures are above me!!!!

[chans59]

IT IS FUN!!

[chans59]

Wow!That's Great

[AmylouK]

Hi there! I'm an Elementary Ed student and I'll be using this to present a lesson on push and pull to my peers. You have some really great ideas and I'm sure we'll have a blast! Thanks!

[stumitch]

as a shop teacher of 14 years i have to say what a GREAT job you've done! i am already in the process of stringing a line in my shop! thanks!
-stu

[LanceMakes]

Much appreciated :) I've admired many of your projects from the teacher contest - keep up your superb work and imagination!

oh, and if you can, please post some photos if you try out this project. Thanks!

[stumitch]

thanks for the kind words! i'll post photos or email them if you'd like.
-stu

[hungyhipo 2]

If you are a teacher (which I'm pretty sure you are) you are probably one of the coolest.

[LanceMakes]

Thanks! I do my best to create a fun atmosphere for kids to learn in :)

[hungyhipo 2]

i wish my teachers were that awesome

[Hiyadudez]

I don't build any of your project (Nothing personal :P), but I still watch the tutorials all the way through.

Your voice is brilliant and your instructions are super clear and easy to follow. I would follow you, but I already am :D

[LanceMakes]

Wow, thanks for the feedback - It's always hard to judge one's own Instructables, so it's great to hear that it's working :)

[rimar2000]

Great job, congratulations!

[mikeasaurus]

These look great! It looks like all the kids had fun, awesome!