Applicable Virginia Standards of Learning

4.1a-f, 5.1a-f, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4

Slot CAr Transfer

Grades: 4-5
Offsite and onsite availability

Students will engage in a Slot Car activity to learn about kinetic energy, electrical energy, and energy transfer. Students are divided into groups and given materials to construct their own slot cars. They must design the cars to maintain contact with the copper tape on the track. Once the cars are built, students test them on a smaller section of the track. They observe how the motor converts kinetic energy into electrical energy, propelling the car forward. Students make necessary adjustments to their cars, such as fine-tuning the design, improving stability, and optimizing contact with the copper tape. Emphasis is placed on teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity.