What’s an Electric Vehicle? Learners design, build, and test a battery-powered vehicle that moves using a motor and a simple circuit. They’ll explore energy transfer, motion, and design thinking while troubleshooting and iterating to make their electric car go faster, straighter, or farther. This Spark is easily adaptable for upper elementary through middle schooland supports creativity through open-ended design.
It’s a perfect 30- to 45-minute, screen-free activity that can be built, tested, taken apart, and rebuilt for endless experimentation and play.
Your learner will design and build a working electric vehicle with a unique body, powered by a small motor and battery. Along the way, they’ll discover how electrical energy is converted into motion, experiment with polarity and circuits to make motors move in both forward and reverse directions, and refine their car body designs through testing and iteration with a rich variety of customizable, reconfigurable components. Learners strengthen their critical thinking, persistence, and creative problem-solving skills as they modify wheel alignment and component placement to make their vehicle move the way they want it to.
What's in the pack?
This is an individually packed kit in a resealable bag with everything needed to build, test, and iterate, including:
A die-cut foam sheet with components
A cardboard vehicle platform
AA battery & rubber battery band
A plastic wheel and two axles
A motor with wires
4 plastic connectors
Two paper tubes
Visual guide sheet
You’ll need to provide scissors and markers for decoration.
What do adults need to support?
This Spark includes a coaching playbook available on our website, featuring educator-only videos, quick-start guides, slide decks, and extension activities. These resources help adults build confidence quickly, troubleshoot common challenges, and guide learners through a hands-on exploration of circuits, motion, and creative engineering.
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