Lego Car Races

Sections

Challenge Areas

Scout Method Elements

SPICES Growth Areas

The Adventure

Build the fastest Lego car and race it against your Patrol.

Plan

1. Investigate different factors that impact how fast an unpowered Lego car will roll. You may like to investigate concepts such as gravity, friction, and aerodynamics.
2. Gather a range of Lego pieces to make cars with. Make sure that you have essential pieces for cars such a wheels.
3. Choose a race course. You may wish to build a ramp by raising one end of a long piece of wood or find a flat surface to push your cars along.
4. Make sure you are aware of the safety considerations needed for using Lego.
5. Define the rules of your building challenge. Do you have a set number of pieces? A set amount of time?

Do

1. Make sure the competition is fair and that, where possible, everyone has access to the same bits of Lego and they are separated.
2. Build your Lego car, making sure to test it as you go. Make sure to consider a range of factors such as strength, necessary vehicle size, etc.
3. Race your Lego car against other Lego cars or against a timer.

Review

1. Was your Lego car successful? Why or why not?
2. What did you learn in building your Lego car? What did you enjoy?
3. What could you do differently to improve your Lego car?

Safety

• Lego can include small pieces which may pose a chocking hazard if swallowed. Ensure adult supervision for younger sections.
• Lego pieces can be very painful if stood on. Make sure to wear shoes around your Lego builds and tidy up all the Lego afterwards.
• If not build strong enough or there is an abrupt stop, Lego cars may break causing Lego to fly. Make sure to stand away from the end of the race to minimise the risk of injury.

Variations

• This Challenge Card can pair well with Lego Challenges (STEM and Innovation).
• Put your mechanical skills to the test by incorporating Lego Technic and Gadget pieces and adding a motor to your build.