Gliding Car
Project Snapshot
This is the perfect project to show how lift, drag, and weight can work together to create a working glide ratio!
Plus, it's super fun to test by flinging it off of a table!
Click to expand
Tools and Materials
The Engineering Creation Kit has everything you need for this project and many more from STEM Inventions, or get the supplies in bulk:
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Craft sticks
Tips and Troubleshooting
If the gliding car nose dives, then...
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Make sure to bend the tail slightly upward.
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Make sure to stop pressing on the car just before it launches off of the table.
If the gliding turns sharply upward and crashes, then...
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Use only 1/3 of a sheet of card stock. If the wings are too big, it may generate too much lift.
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Make sure there is a weight on the front of the car. If it's still turning sharply upward, try adding more weight to the front.
If the gliding tilts to one side and crashes, then...
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Make sure the wings are bent slightly upward.
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Try making the stabilizers on the tips of the wings bigger.
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Push the car off of the table as straight as possible.