Move It

Blurb:
Using only the supplies given, participants must figure out how to make their toy car move
from one point to another by itself. Discussion will focus on STEM principles, such as
kinetic, potential & static energy and Newtons Law of Motion. Discussion will also focus on
communication, diversity, and strategy.

Topics/Skills: STEM, communication, diversity and strategic development

STEM Principles:

Energy
Kinetic - energy in motion
Potential - energy at rest
Newtons Laws of Motion
1st Law: Every object persists in its state of rest or uniform motion in a
straight line unless acted upon by an outside force.
3rd Law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite re-action.

Purpose: To explore motion and how energy can be used in making an object move.
Objective: To make a toy car move using specific supplies given and using STEM principles.

Goals:

To use STEM principles to make an object move.

To understand the importance of diversity and strategic planning.

Time: 30-45 minutes

Supplies:

Assortment of Objects: Examples include (but are not limited to)

o Straw
o Tape
o Toy car
o Balloon
o Hair tie
o Rubber bands
o Paper
Activity:

1. Create a car pile and a supplies pile for participants to select what they need.
2. After instructions, have participants select a toy car to use and the supplies that they
would like to use.
3. Participants will not be allowed to push or pull their car.
4. Participants will see whose car travels the farthest, goes a certain distance the
fastest, etc.

Closing: Large group discussion

Reflection topics could include

How energy and motion work together to make an object move
How objects will stay at rest or in motion until acted on by an outside force.
Diversity
Strategic Planning