Make a model vehicle
Build a simple model vehicle from cardboard, straws, wheels, and tape; test how different designs affect speed and performance safely.
Step-by-step guide to make a model vehicle
ORIGAMI CAR TUTORIAL STEP BY STEP | DIY PAPER CAR ORIGAMI WORLD FOLDING | CREATE YOUR OWN PAPER CAR
Step 1
Gather all your materials and clear a flat workspace so you have room to build and test.
Step 2
Use the ruler and pencil to draw a rectangle about 12 cm by 6 cm on the cardboard for your vehicle base.
Step 3
Cut out the cardboard rectangle carefully with scissors to make the vehicle base.
Step 4
Cut two straw pieces about 1 cm longer than the width of the cardboard to make axles.
Step 5
Tape each straw axle to the underside of the cardboard parallel to the short sides so they are straight and spaced apart.
Step 6
Push a wheel onto each end of the straw axles so the wheels can spin freely.
Step 7
Fold a small extra piece of cardboard into a cabin or aerodynamic shape and tape it to the top of the base.
Step 8
Add small weights like coins or folded paper to the front or back by taping them so you can test different balances.
Step 9
Build a gentle ramp by stacking a few books to make a smooth slope on a hard floor.
Step 10
Place your vehicle at the top of the ramp and release it so it rolls down without being pushed.
Step 11
Time the run with a clock or stopwatch and write down the result so you can compare designs.
Step 12
Change one thing about your design (wheel position weight or shape) and test again to find the fastest setup then share your finished vehicle on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I don't have straws or small wheels?
Use wooden skewers or pencils taped to the underside of the 12 cm by 6 cm cardboard base instead of straws for axles, and push bottle caps or jar lids onto the axles as wheels so they can still spin freely.
My wheels won't spin or the vehicle veers off course—what should I check?
Make sure the straw or skewer axles taped to the underside are straight and not crushed by tape, trim them to be about 1 cm longer than the base width, and remove excess tape at the wheel ends so the wheels can spin freely.
How can I adapt this activity for different ages?
For younger kids have an adult draw and cut the 12×6 cm base and help fold and tape the cabin, while older kids can take precise measurements, experiment with weight placement, and redesign the aerodynamic cabin for faster ramp runs.
How can we extend or personalize the vehicle after the basic build?
Paint or decorate the folded cardboard cabin, try different wheel positions and coin placements to optimize speed as you test on the ramp, add rubber bands for traction, and record timed runs to compare designs before sharing on DIY.org.
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Facts about basic mechanics and vehicle design
⚖️ Newton's first law means a model car will keep rolling until a force (like friction or a bump) slows it down — so a tiny push can go a long way on a smooth floor.
🌬️ Air resistance grows with the square of speed, so doubling your car's speed can make wind drag about four times stronger.
📐 Shifting weight forward or backward changes balance and handling — move weight back and you might get wheelies; move it forward and steering can become steadier.
🌀 Smoother wheels and smoother tracks can make a toy car several times faster than rolling on carpet or rough surfaces.
🚗 Wheels were invented over 5,500 years ago and completely changed how people and goods move!
How do I build a simple model vehicle to test speed and performance?
What materials do I need to make a cardboard and straw model car?
What ages is this model vehicle activity suitable for?
What are good variations to test so kids can learn about speed and design?
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