1. Alex Morrow Period 2

2.  Introduction/Background  Research  Process  Results

3.  Problem – I noticed some cars went faster than others and thought that weights could be the answer.  Variables – The variables I found were friction and the weight of a car.  Materials – I had two Pinewood Derby cars (one with weights, one without) and a 32 foot track.  Procedure – Both cars were raced and their speed was recorded.

4.  Last year, I helped my brother build his Pinewood Derby car into the shape of an arrow.  When choosing this science project, I was interested in why weight affects the speed of a car going down a track.

5.  I looked up a website (www.pinewoodderb ycar.com), which explains that objects going downhill go faster with more weight because it increases the pull of gravity.www.pinewoodderb ycar.com  Also, less friction is better because friction slows objects down.

6.  To build my brother’s Pinewood Derby car, I used a scale saw, wood, nails, wheels, graphite, paint, shiner, a sander, a track, and the internet (to reference information).

8.  I found that the car with weight will always go faster than the other car.  This is of scientific worth because it can help us with technology and cars.  This can be applied to semi-trucks, which are heavier than most cars. Since they need to stop down hills, their braking systems should develop to add more friction to stop the greater weight.

9.  www.pinewoodderbycar.com www.pinewoodderbycar.com For Images:  https://www.derbymonkeygarage.com/imag es/products/4005.jpg https://www.derbymonkeygarage.com/imag es/products/4005.jpg  http://www.school-for- champions.com/science/images/friction- slide_kinetic.gif http://www.school-for- champions.com/science/images/friction- slide_kinetic.gif  http://www.clipartheaven.com/clipart/house hold/home_improvement/plywood_%26_saw.gif http://www.clipartheaven.com/clipart/house hold/home_improvement/plywood_%26_saw.gif

10.  Thanks to:  The Neighborhood Cub Scouts  My Dad  My neighbor, who provided an unweighted car  My favorite older sister, who made a chart (!)