Physics project / need ideas

[moonmonky]

i have a project in physics due monday and i dont know where to begin. here's the project:

 

Goal: to design, build, and operate a simple device that will move as far as possible and as slowas possible across the classroom floor. (but basically i just need to get the thing to move).

 

These are the following constraints in place:

1) no electrical or chemical power (2) none of the wheels may have origianlly been wheels (3) the device must start and remain on the floor (4) now power supply can be used that was originally made to be a power supply (5) no liquids or food can be used (6) must fit in a 2 foot cube (7) the device must be moved together- nothing can be left behind

 

Some possible ways to power the device: rubberbands, balloons, mousetraps,springs, etc.

 

it would help me a lot if anyone had any ideas because i don't know where to begin. Thanks :eek2:

[Mercedes Benzene]

Shoebox. Crushed soda cans for wheels.

Twisted rubberband ---> connected to an axle.

 

Simple... and I've done it before! It works!

[Jay-qu]

put elastic bands around the cans for extra traction :eek2: but wait didnt you say it has to move slow? thats odd..

[Mercedes Benzene]

but wait didnt you say it has to move slow? thats odd..

 

yeah... it is rather strange... but I suppose it makes it more of a challenge?:eek2:

[Jay-qu]

yeah I guess.. but odd..

 

I say you could use some gears, small one going to a large one on the axel of the wheels. But to make sure it still goes far you will need a bigger elastic band.

[DBBABD]

yeAAAA