EnergyWhiz

Empowering Student Innovation for a Clean Energy Future

Division: E (3-5)
School: Buck Lake Elementary Team Size: 1

Dragon Lair Protector

Lillian, 4th grade Digital Learner @ Buck Lake

First impression!

My name is Lillian and I am in 4th grade. I am the only member of this team, but my mom and dad (who are 39) helped a lot with the problem solving side of things.

My solar car: The Dragon’s Lair!

The Front!

Photos

The rest of the pictures of my solar car:

Video links!

Here are the the links to my team explanation & vehicle performance.

team explanation: https://share.icloud.com/photos/0XHHWN2m3dphgj1_yoH2Yjdaw

vehicle performance: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11z24bclpI7hA4x8jBczIek5pV1YEVWWC/view?usp=sharing

Dimensions

H: 18 3/4 cm W: 27 cm including the axles L: 37 1/2 cm

Flow of Energy

The energy that powers my solar car starts at the sun. The light energy flows from the sun to the solar panel, which converts it into electricity, and through the wires to the motor. The motor uses the electricity to spin the 1st pulley wheel, causing the rubber band to move and spin the 2nd pulley wheel. The 2nd pulley wheel is attached to the axle, making the axle spin also. Since the wheels are attached to the axle, they rotate, moving the entire car forward.

Materials

Balsa wood, 3-volt solar panel, motor, bamboo kabob sticks, hot glue, wax, T-Rex tape, scotch tape, metal, paper, feather boa, origami paper, wires and alligator clips, pulleys, medium wheels, and craft sticks.

Trouble Shooting

Problem 1: My car wasn’t moving! My mom and I figured out that my motor was spinning inside my gear, and my gear wasn’t moving. (The hole on the gear was too large. It wasn’t staying in one position on the motor.)

Solution 1: Switch to pulleys! If one thing doesn’t work, try another. I switched to pulleys and it’s working really well.

Problem 2: My solar panel had to be removable! My teacher needed all the solar panels back after we finished our projects. So, since I couldn’t use permanent glue, I used wax. But well… wax melts in sunlight.

Solution 2: After I looked at some other team’s ideas for attaching their solar panels, I decided to attach the solar panel to the bamboo skewers with hot glue, which would come off easily.

12 thoughts on “Dragon Lair Protector

  • May 5, 2021 at 1:20 pm
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    Thanks, all of you! I agree with the dragon segments. 🙂

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  • May 5, 2021 at 9:36 am
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    Your design is awesome! Way to go, Lillian!
    Wallace Knight
    LCS Science Curriculum Developer

    Reply
  • May 5, 2021 at 9:27 am
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    I think you did a GREAT job on the solar car with the design.

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  • May 5, 2021 at 9:26 am
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    I love how you added the feathers! The car went fast and smooth. The name Dragon Lair Protector is a cool name keep up the great work Lillian!

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  • May 5, 2021 at 9:23 am
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    Great job!! I love how you solved the problem on problem 2 because my teacher taught me the best way to learn is by learning from you’re piers!!

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  • May 5, 2021 at 9:01 am
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    I love the feathers! Dragon’s lair is a cool name!

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  • May 5, 2021 at 8:59 am
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    I LOVE your creativity on the design! i also liked your problem solving with your car.

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  • May 5, 2021 at 8:59 am
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    Dragons are one of my favorite monsters! I really wished I listed the problems and solutions! Good idea listing your materials!

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  • May 5, 2021 at 8:48 am
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    I love how you added the feathers behind the ping-pong ball it is soooo cool! I love the design!

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  • May 4, 2021 at 2:18 pm
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    Your problem solving is awesome! Love the decorations and theme. Dragons rule! Great job!

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  • May 3, 2021 at 2:29 pm
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    nice work on the problem solving! i loved the theme

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  • May 3, 2021 at 11:18 am
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    Great determination with your problem solving! And very creative as well. That car sure moved fast, so congratulations on a job well done!

    Reply

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