Zipline Racers are propeller-powered devices built to explore flight and propulsion using simple, easy-to-find materials. Upon completing the build, you then have hours of fun ahead racing across the zipline and tweaking your design to improve performance.
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Supplies Needed
- Propeller
- Paper clip
- Rubber band
- Hot glue gun
- Tape
- Scrap paper
- Popsicle sticks
Caution: Do not touch the hot end of the hot glue gun and watch where you place your fingers when applying hot glue to popsicle sticks.
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How to Make a Zipline Racer
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Step 1: Assemble Racer Frame
Grab a popsicle stick and apply hot glue to one half of one side.
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Cover the line of hot glue with another popsicle stick.
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Now apply a line of hot glue to the uncovered end of your first popsicle stick
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Flip over the part of the frame you just constructed so that the center support stick is facing you. Now, add a small dot of hot glue to the bottom sticks next to each end of the center support stick.
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Place one popsicle stick over top of each glue dot at a 90 degree angle. Keep them as straight as possible.
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Your frame is complete!
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Step 2: Attach the Propeller
Slightly lift the smaller inside part of a paper clip away from the larger outside part to create an “L” shape.
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Add some hot glue to one end of your racer’s frame. Then, place the larger side of the paper clip on the hot glue at the bend.
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Dab a bit of hot glue on top of the paper clip to make sure it’s secure. Now, let it dry for 10 seconds.
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While waiting for the paperclip to dry, secure a propeller to the end of the popsicle stick at the opposite end of the frame from your paper clip.
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Optional: To ensure the paper clip won’t fall off, wrap a finger length piece of tape around the paper clip / hot glue joint.
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Step 3: Design the Racer’s Sail
Select a piece of paper that is big enough to fit between the two vertical popsicle sticks. This piece of paper will serve as the sail for your racer. Decorate it as you like!
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Flip your paper over so that the side you want to be the front is laying flat on the table. Lay the frame of the racer on top of the paper and line it up to the horizontal edges. Use 2 strips of tape to secure the sail to the racer frame.
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Step 4: Add a Rubber Band
Wrap one end of the rubber band around the metal hook attached to the propeller.
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Then, stretch the rubber band across the bottom of the frame to the paper clip and wrap the other end of the rubber band around the “U” part of the paper clip.
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Step 5: Ready to Race!
Your racer should now be ready to race! When you are finished with the above steps, you will need to create momentum for your racer. To do this, spin the propeller to wind the rubber band.
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Building a Zipline
Create a zipline using a thin piece of thread, ribbon, or fishing line spread between 2 tall chairs or other raised surfaces. Bring your racer to the zipline. Once there, clip the racer in place using 2 binder clips and GO!
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