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Rubber-Band Racer

Build a car powered by rubber-band stored energy. Wind it up, let it go, and race across the floor.

👶 Ages 7–11 ⏱ 45 min Easy 💰 ~$30
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What you'll make

Build a car powered by rubber-band stored energy. Wind it up, let it go, and race across the floor.

What your kid learns

Stored energy, potential vs kinetic energy, friction, basic engineering

Supervision

Light supervision — ages 10+ can mostly self-direct

Materials List

Hero Item
STEM Gears/Wheels/Axles Assortment $25
View on Amazon
  • Jumbo Craft Sticks $4 View
  • Rubber Bands (assorted) $3 View
  • Foam Sheets $4 View

Tools Needed

You probably own

  • Scissors

Recommended buy

⚠ Safety Note

Hot glue gun gets hot — an adult should handle gluing for kids under 8. Keep fingers clear of the nozzle.

What You’ll Build

A rubber-band-powered car that actually races across the floor. Wind the rubber band around the axle, release, and watch it zoom.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Build the Chassis

Glue 3 craft sticks side by side to form a flat platform. This is your car’s body.

Step 2: Attach the Axles

Thread axle rods through the wheel hubs. Hot-glue the axle mounts to the underside of the chassis near each end.

Step 3: Add Wheels

Press wheels onto the axle ends. Make sure they spin freely — if they’re too tight, the car won’t roll.

Step 4: Hook the Rubber Band

Loop a rubber band around a peg at the front of the chassis. Stretch it back and hook it around the rear axle.

Step 5: Wind and Race

Turn the rear wheels backward to wind the rubber band around the axle. Set the car on a smooth floor, release, and watch it go.

Step 6: Tune for Speed

Experiment: try thicker rubber bands, different wheel sizes, or a lighter chassis. What makes it go fastest?

Make It Easier

  • Pre-cut the chassis pieces
  • Use self-adhesive foam instead of hot glue

Make It Harder

  • Add a second rubber band for more power
  • Design a sleek body from cardboard
  • Build two cars and race them — longest distance wins

What Your Kid Learns

Stored energy, potential vs kinetic energy, friction, basic engineering