How to Build a Magnetic Car
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Handle hot glue guns with careHot glue gun isolated image by Marek Kosmal from Fotolia.com
Gather supplies: A 1:64 die cast car works well. They are readily available at toy stores, discount stores and grocery stores. Multi-packs are often sold at dollar stores, too.
Buy several types and sizes of magnets (available at craft stores). Finding the correct one might take some trial and error. Even if the magnets have a stick-on back, hot glue will be necessary. Finally, the cardboard will become the play surface, so the size is optional. The thinner and sturdier the surface, the better the car will function. - 2
Prepare the carChildren"s hand image by YURY MARYUNIN from Fotolia.com
Attach the magnet to the bottom or front of the car using the hot glue gun. (The closer the magnet is to the surface, the better it will work.) Allow the glue to harden. - 3
Add the magnet to the pointerhangers image by peter Hires Images from Fotolia.com
Create the pointer by attaching a magnet to the dowel (or to a straightened hanger). The magnet should face upward at the end of the pointer, rather than stick to the tip of the pointer (e.g., the magnet on the bottom of the car and the magnet on the pointer should be parallel to each other when the the pointer is held straight out under the board separating the two). Allow the glue to harden. - 4
Give the car a test drive before continuingRed car image by Ellanorah from Fotolia.com
Give the car a test drive. Place the car on the cardboard (or on another material) and place the board between chairs, so that the bottom is accessible. Use the pointer to move the car around the board. If the attraction between the magnets is too weak, the magnets may need adjustment; this may also be necessary if the cardboard is too thick. - 5
Play timeCars image by Ellanorah from Fotolia.com
Prepare the surface once you know that the car is working well. Color it with markers, paint it, add bridges and hills, glue trees to it--the sky is the limit.
