Let's Race

Have students review the Race Rules and Racing criteria. Allow the students to discuss and agree upon the racing conditions. Generally students are just happy to get the cars to run and informally race each other, but if competition is the name of the game, get ready to race on an 'official track.'

Sample Racing Set-Up Mark a course on a smooth and even surface. Four or five lanes should be marked on the course. The vehicles may be raced in a series of heats. If a double elimination process is used, each student will be sure to race at least twice. If batteries are being used instead of the solar cells, be sure students understand that the more the batteries are used, the slower the vehicle will move as the day progresses. In the interest of fairness, each vehicle should use the same set of batteries all day long. If solar cells are used, then this will not be an issue.

Suggestions

Smoother and more even surfaces make for better racing. Use tape or paper on the floor to mark the beginning and ending of the racecourse.

If students have worked as teams, have one student start the car and other stop it. This helps avoid damage to the vehicle by crashing into things or by students accidentally stepping on one.

Mark off a spectator area to control the course and protect the vehicles.

Have emergency repair supplies (tape, extra wires and so on) on a table off to the side for students to use between races.

Supplying batteries can be troublesome and expensive. If the teacher is supplying batteries, give the students only 1 set of batteries to last the day. Of course this is not a problem if the solar panel is used and the racing done outside in the sun. Make sure the area will not be covered by shade as the day progresses. Feel free to email us photos via www.Seibun.net website!

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