Remote Control Jumps challenge
We’re not asking you to jump blindfolded on a motorbike over 23 double decker buses … but how far can you jump by remote control?
Levels of difficulty:
Level 1 - Build a ramp that a remote control car can jump over
Level 2 - As level 1, and the car will jump 0.5m
Level 3 - As level 1, and the car turns over as it jumps
Equipment: K’NEX set, plus a rugged remote control car, and a flat space to test it on.
Approach: How can you make a ramp for the car to jump from? What shape will it be? How steep? Will the surface be fairly smooth to run on? For level 2, how can you improve your design so that the car will jump 0.5m? Can you make the surface of the ramp smoother? What is the best angle? How long a run-up should you take? For level 3, how can you make the car turn over as it jumps? Do you need to change your ramp, or your run-up, or both?
Handy Hints (please click to view):
A2 - 3 ways to connect K'NEX rods and connectors
A4 - Making corners with blue & purple connectors
Teachers' Notes
The aim of the project is to investigate the behaviour of a vehicle in motion.
Possible solution: See photo.
Before starting: Test that the car’s battery is fully charged.
Conclusion: Set an obstacle course comprising all the jumps, and see who can jump every one in the fastest time.
Copyright © Andy Shercliff 1996 and K'NEX User Group 2004
Website last updated 8 January 2025. Feedback 
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