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Everyday Machines / Week 11 / Machine Day
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Week 11 · How a Car Moves

Machine Day

Machine Day: Go, Turn, Stop Hunt
// Fuel or a battery, wheels, brakes and belts
⏱ about 15 min

Machine Day: Go, Turn, Stop Hunt

Rocket lines up every toy with wheels. "Which ones can turn and stop?"

Raven asks, "What do you notice about how each one stops?"

Nova glows. "Would you like a hint? Rubbing slows things."

Rocket rolls a toy onto the carpet. It stops fast!

  1. Fuel or a battery stores a car's energy.
  2. The engine or motor turns, and the wheels turn.
  3. The steering wheel turns the front wheels.
  4. Brakes use friction to slow the wheels.
  5. Seat belts hold you in your seat on every trip.
◇ FAMILY GO, TURN, STOP HUNT
Gather toys and things with wheels: cars, a stroller, a wagon.
For each one, ask: what makes it go?
Ask: how does it turn?
Ask: how does it stop?
Roll a toy car on a smooth floor and on a carpet.
Which floor stops it faster? That is friction.
For a grown-up
Keep the hunt to toys and strollers. Real cars stay parked and off.
On your next drive, ask your child to check everyone's seat belt.
Ask: where is the energy stored in this toy?
Safety first
Roll toys on the floor, away from stairs.
Never roll anything toward a person or pet.
Stay away from roads and parked cars today.
HUNT CHECK
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
A toy car stops faster on carpet. Why?
Who checks the seat belts on the next drive?
Draw your favorite wheeled toy. Show how it stops.

You are a car expert! Next week, we go up in the elevator.

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