Air Racer Activity
Single SKU: 1824-66
10-Pack SKU: 1824-76
Propel innovation with this TeacherGeek activity straight from the Everglades. Send this racer flying with an electric project motor and propeller. Kids can engineer it for speed, distance or style by constructing the frame and propeller blades. Use real tools and learn from experimentation, evolving unique designs through the engineering process. Use recycling bin materials, 3-D printed elements or other found components to create propeller blades. This activity features TeacherGeek mini hub assemblies; build your own unique propellers by changing blade shape, angle or amount.
Air Racer Educational Goals
- Utilize the design and engineering process
- Encourage creativity, critical thinking and problem solving
- Learn about electricity, blade angle, and propeller design
- Apply the scientific method
- Innovate (design, build and evolve your own unique design)
Completing the Air Racer Activity (Ages 5+)
When working with this Activity, start with the Build Guide
Build Guide
Start by creating an example Air Racer using the Build Guide. This will be a great design to get you started. You’ll start to create your own amazing designs during the engineering challenges at the end of the Guide.
MS Word or PDF - Which document format should you download? Always download the PDF document, unless you want to edit/change it. If you want to edit/change the document, download the MS Word (Microsoft Word™) version.
Optional Resources
Download the TeacherGeek Engineering Notebook
Available at two different learning levels, the TeacherGeek Engineering Notebook is designed to help students cycle thru the Design & Engineering Process and help them innovate and invent new designs. Use an Engineering Notebook page for each iteration of design. It is recommended that extra pages are printed and on-hand during activities.
- Simple Engineering Notebook: PDF
- Engineering Notebook: PDF
- ”Helica” Propeller Car (1924): YouTube Video
- Propeller Car on My Classic Car: YouTube Video
TeacherGeek Tools You'll Need
What tools will you need to do this activity?
|
Process |
Process Description |
Recommended Tool |
Alternate Tool |
|
Cutting |
Cutting dowels, strips, recycling bin items, etc. |
|
Saw, Pruning Shears |
|
Reaming |
Change splined holes in components from press fit (dowels press and stay) to loose fit (dowels are able to slide and rotate). |
|
#3 Drill Bit and Drill |
|
Screwing |
Tighten and loosen screws |
|
None |
|
Holding and Pulling |
Hold nuts, pull apart components |
Pliers (optional)
|
None |
|
Hammering and Tapping |
Tap components through holes |
Hammer (optional)
|
None |
Sets of tools can be found here.
Additional Supplies Needed to Build an Air Racer: This activity requires AA batteries, tape, scissors, safety goggles, and recycling material.
Make your Air Racer propeller with recycling bin material. 
Air Racer Components
What's in the Air Racer Activity?
| Component: | 10pk Quantity: | Single Quantity: |
| Dowels | 30 | 3 |
| Perpendicular Blocks | 20 | 2 |
| 1" Screws | 20 | 2 |
| Hex Nuts | 20 | 2 |
| Motor Mount(s) | 10 | 1 |
| 1.5-3V Motor(s) | 10 | 1 |
| Connector Strips | 30 | 3 |
| 3in Slide Stop | 10 | 1 |
| Zip Ties | 40 | 4 |
| Wooden Wheels | 30 | 3 |
| Battery Holder(s) (2 AA) w/ Switch & Leads |
10 | 1 |
| Mini Motor Hub Cover(s) | 10 | 1 |
| Mini Motor Hub Base(s) | 10 | 1 |
| Hub Screw(s) | 10 | 1 |
| Toothpicks | 100 | 10 |
This is an educational product and not a toy. It is intended for use by ages 9 and above with adult supervision.
Science, Math & Engineering Standards
TeacherGeek products fit proposals, grants or lesson plans with ease! Explore more resources below:
Next Generation Science StandardsNGSS Standards Download - PDF
NGSS Standards Spreadsheet - Editable /Searchable Excel Sheet
International Technology & Engineering Educators' Association Standards
ITEEA Standards Download - PDF
ITEEA Standards Spreadsheet - Editable/Searchable Excel Sheet
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