Acceleration Car

Item #P4-1980

$7.50 Bundle Discount

Unit Price	$7.50
12+	$7.00

Simple, repeatable accelerating motion for graphing and analysis

Extend kinematic analysis beyond simple constant-velocity motion using a pull-back car with predictable, repeatable acceleration. The Acceleration Car gives students a clear, visual way to study changing velocity—perfect for labs where distance, time, velocity, and acceleration are all in play. Instead of a straight-line motion graph, students see curvature emerge naturally as the car speeds up, reinforcing the difference between constant velocity and constant acceleration.

It’s quick to deploy in almost any classroom setup. Students track position over time, build velocity–time and position–time graphs, and connect real motion to equations and models. The Acceleration Car is an ideal next step after constant-velocity investigations, helping students deepen their understanding of kinematics before moving on to more complex systems.

Why Teachers Love the Acceleration Car

A clear example of accelerated motion: The car’s steadily increasing speed produces clean, convincing data for acceleration studies.
Easy classroom setup: Works with a tape measure and stopwatch, or pairs seamlessly with motion detectors, photogates, or spark timers.
Perfect companion to constant-velocity labs: Lets students directly compare uniform motion to accelerated motion using similar equipment and procedures.
Durable & affordable lab standard: Rugged design stands up to repeated use, making class sets practical for hands-on investigations.

Resources

Acceleration Car Instructional Guide

What You Can Teach with the Acceleration Car

Ideal for middle school through AP/Honors and introductory higher-ed mechanics, including labs such as:

Uniformly Accelerated Motion: Measure position vs. time, calculate acceleration, and analyze curved x-t
Velocity–Time Relationships: Build v-t graphs and use slope to interpret acceleration.
Graphing & Model Building: Connect motion maps, tables, and equations to real experimental data.
Comparing Motion Types: Contrast constant velocity and constant acceleration using similar experimental setups.

Take It a Step Further

Newton’s Second Law: Relate changes in acceleration to applied force by adding mass or using inclines.
Friction & Energy: Explore how friction, surface type, or added resistance affects acceleration and overall motion.

How the Acceleration Car Works for Grades 4–5

At the upper-elementary level, the Acceleration Car is best used qualitatively and visually, not mathematically. Use the Acceleration Car to:

See motion change: Students can clearly observe that the car starts slow and speeds up.
Compare motions: Run it side-by-side with a constant-velocity car and ask, “Which one changes speed?”
Informally Measure distance over time: Measure how far the car goes in equal time intervals and notice that the distances increase.

Products being sold are not toys. They are for Educational / Laboratory use only. They are not for use by children 12 and under.

Specs:

Size: 5" x 2" x 1.625"

WARNING: Cancer & Reproductive Harm — www.P65Warnings.ca.gov