Derby Car + Ramp

Watch our DIY Derby Car + Ramp instructional video online.

Level: Beginner

Beginner projects can typically be completed with little tooling (if any). Assembly can be completed in 20 - 45 minutes, and we recommend 60 - 90 minutes for planning and personalization. We also recommend a 60 - 90 minute class session for students to assemble and participate in a racing activity. This project is appropriate for students in grades 1 and above.

Objective: Construct a pine derby car

Students will use basic carpentry skills to build their very own DIY pine derby car. Students will have an opportunity to get creative and decorate their derby cars, making them a perfect toy to play with at home. After assembly and decoration, students also have an opportunity to test their weight placements for maximum speed by racing their cars against each other on a pine derby ramp.

Instructors then have an opportunity to reinforce learnings by prompting questions such as:

• How does weight placement affect the speed of your pine derby car?

• What is potential energy?

• What is kinetic energy?

Supplies & Materials

The following supplies & materials are included with each project class set:

• Wood parts for assembly

• Wheels

• Axles

• Weights

• Double-sided tape

• Racing ramp

• Hardware tray

• Sandpaper

• Safety glasses

• Pencils

• Notebooks for planning

Art supplies and tools are not included but can be provided upon request.