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How to Make Mini Wood Rocket Cars

While making mini wood rocket cars may just sound like a good time, you may be surprised to know that in the process of making the cars, kids can learn about Newton's Third Law of Motion (equal and opposite actions), the concepts of friction and energy loss, good contruction techniques and design, and experimenting with design parameters to achieve a goal. Especially if there's a competition involved, kids really get involved with their designs and work hard to make their cars the very best they can be.

Things You'll Need

  • Pinewood derby car kit
  • Pencil
  • Vise
  • Hand saw or coping saw
  • Sand paper or electric sander with sand paper
  • Electric drill
  • Acrylic or latex paints
  • Shellac or clear polyurethane
  • Rocket engine (Size B)
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Instructions

    • 1
      Drawing your design in pencil will give you more flexibility.

      Take your pinewood derby kit out of its box. Use a pencil to draw your design directly on the block of wood. For example, if you want your car to have a curved shape on top, draw a curved line in the shape you want to cut the wood. The pencil lines will be your guide when you cut the block of wood with a saw. If you don't like your initial design, erase your lines with pencil erasers and try again until you come up with a design you like.

    • 2
      A hand saw will work for a simple, straight design.

      Secure your block of wood with a vise. If your design requires only one or two straight cuts, you can saw along the pencil lines with a hand saw. If your design requires curved or other complicated cuts, use a coping saw to cut out your design. Make sure you wear adequate eye protection while using a saw.

    • 3
      A smoothly sanded car will look professional.

      Sand your car to smooth out the cuts and prepare it for painting. If you would like to sand curves into the edges, use an electric sander. You can also use regular sandpaper and sand it by hand, but it will take longer to get good results.

    • 4
      Use a drill bit that is the same width as your rocket engine.

      Measure the diameter of your rocket engine. Use your electric drill to drill a hole in the back of the car that is just the size of the diameter of your rocket engine. The hole should be drilled as deep as the length of the rocket engine.

    • 5
      Take your time with your car's paint job.

      Paint your car with acrylic or latex paints. The pinewood derby kit comes with number stickers that you can add to your car. Paint at least two coats on your car, allowing the paint to dry completely between coats. After the last coat, sand the paint with steel wool. Apply a coat or two of shellac to give your car a shiny finish.

    • 6
      Use a gentle touch with the hammer when you attach the wheels.

      Use a small hammer to attach your wheels to the car. The pinewood derby kit comes with wheels and nails. You can add a dab of wood glue to the nails in order to make the bond stronger.

    • 7

      Insert the rocket engine into the hole in the back of the car.


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