Let's Rally

Instead of a race, make it a rally. Taking the edge off of the competition makes the day more fun for many students by reducing the stress. A race might have but one winner and many losers, while a rally allows each student a chance to be a star and shine. A rally allows students to continue to experiment and show (teach!) others.

A Seibun rally could be structured with a series of stations. Have a parent volunteer help or monitor each station. A rally is a series of challenges to be met and overcome. This should be a fun series of activities. Feel free to experiment and create challenges for your students to overcome.

Challenge 1 - Driving Along - showing a working battery powered vehicle. Mark out a straight 'road' on a smooth surface about 2 meters long. Allow students to show a working vehicle.

Challenge 2 - Road Handling - follow a straight line. Mark out a straight road on a smooth surface about 2 meters long but this time also mark the sides of the road. If the road is about 3 or 4 vehicles wide and not too long, students should be able to successfully complete this challenge.

Challenge 3 - The Power Pull - Mark off a road about 30 cm long. Make a 'sled' out of a 3 x 5 index card and piece of string. The students must attach the sled to the back of the vehicle (looping the string over the switch works well).

A small object (box of paperclips, stuffed animal, plastic toy or whatever is available) may be placed on the sled and pulled the length of the course.

Challenge 4 - The Hill Climb - Mark off a road about a meter long. Near the end of the road make a hill to be climbed. To make the hill, place a book flat on the floor. Tape a manila folder to the floor in front of the book then to the top of the book. The vehicle will move the length of the road then 'climb the hill.'

Challenge 5 - Speed Demo - Mark off a road a meter long (100 cm). Have the vehicle timed from the start line to the finish line. Have the student or group calculate the speed (a calculator with the assistance of a supervisor will be helpful) of the vehicle. The distance 100 cm should be divided by the time to travel the course. Have the vehicle travel the course several times. The 'BEST' speed and the AVERAGE speed of all the trials may be placed on a card and posted on a wall or display for everyone to admire.

Challenge 6 - Running in Reverse - Mark off a road about a meter long. Challenge the students to change the wiring or batteries so the vehicle will move backwards along the course.

Challenge 7 - Solar Fun - Mark off a road about two meters long on a flat and smooth surface outside and in the sun. Students are to convert the vehicle so it runs off of solar power and is able to move the length of the road.

Challenge 8 - Stopping on a Dime - Mark off a road about a meter long. On the center of an index card tape or glue a dime. Near the end of the road place the index card with the dime facing upward. Students are to use a solar powered vehicle on the course and block the light to stop with the front of the vehicle even with the dime.

Challenge 9 - Reflection Rally - Mark off a road about two meters long. Have plastic mirrors for the students to use to reflect light. Use solar power PLUS light reflected from the mirror to make the vehicle move as quickly as possible down the road.

Challenge 10 - Ride the Wind - Change the vehicle so it is fan powered. Mark off a road about a meter long. Students will show how the vehicle may be moved using the propeller.

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