Shirley Ann Jackson - Off to the Races

As a young child Shirley Ann Jackson explored the science of aerodynamics, or how objects move through the air, by building and racing her own soapbox cars. She used materials she found in her neighborhood and her father's workshop to create a car body, a steering wheel, brakes, and wheels for her gravity-powered car. Now a particle physicist, Shirley doesn't need her father's workshop to do her work. She uses her mind to explore the tiniest pieces of matter.

In this activity you can make your own miniature Pinewood Derby race car and experiment with many of the same principles. Get ready, get set, now go to the races!

Note: Building the car requires adult supervision, for safety reasons.


	A Pinewood Derby kit—you can find a kit that includes a block of wood, four wheels, and two axles for under $5 at your local craft store, or online at http://www.pinecar.com If you don't buy a kit, you need: Block of wood (7"x 2.5" x 2.75") 4 Plastic wheels (available in craft stores) 4 1-inch nails for wheel axles Power saw or handsaw (A power saw will be much easier to use, but you will definitely need an adult to help.) Chisel Files All-purpose sandpaper Safety goggles (Get a pair with an adjustable strap so that it gives you the best fit.) Hammer Lubricant for wheels, such as WD-40 or graphite Stopwatch or a watch with a second hand Notepad or sheets of paper Masking tape Scissors Stickers, decals, or paint (optional) Thick cardboard or a board to make a ramp A stack of books Weights (Purchase Pinewood Derby weights, fishing weights, or other small, heavy objects at your local craft store.) Ruler or tape measure Kitchen scale (Optional, but you do need this if you are building a regulation car.) Race Your Car Off to the Races Data Sheet Off to the Races Journal

1. Print this activity.

Print this page, What You Do: Race Your Car, the Car Design Printable, the Off to the Races Data Sheet, and the Off to the Races Journal.

2. Make an outline.

Trace your block of wood on your piece of paper. The car needs to fit the dimensions in the tip box. Remember, your car is three-dimensional, so you'll need to trace each side.

3. Design your car.

In your traced outline, design the body of your car. You can be creative with your design, or use your sample Car Design Printable.

You might want to trace the block of wood a few times and come up with a couple of different looks.

4. Trace the shape of your car on the wood.

Cut out your paper shape and trace it on your block. Do this for each side.

5. Cut the wood.

Saw the wood to match your design. Be careful! You can use the chisel and files to do the small, delicate work of edges and points.

6. Check the specifications.

Check to make sure that your car meets the suggested specifications and recut as needed. Make any adjustments. You might need to trim your car if it is too long, wide, or tall.

7. Attach the wheels.

Attach the wheels to the bottom of your car. If you are using a kit, hammer one wheel and axle set into each groove in the wood. Glue your axles to make sure they are in tight. If you are not using a kit, attach one wheel onto one of your four nails and hammer one nail-wheel into each corner of your block of wood. Make sure that your wheels line up!

8. Test the wheels.

Test out your wheels to make sure that they rotate smoothly.

9. Decorate the car.

If you like you can decorate your car with stickers, decals, and paint.

10. Lubricate the axles.

Put the lubrication on your axles.

11. Race your car.

Now it's time to race your car! Use your Off to the Races Data Sheet to record your times.

Wonderful Web Links

You can learn more by visiting these Web sites.

Building a Pinewood Derby Car

Derby Tips