Ride switch
Build a cardboard track switch to redirect a toy car between two paths using simple materials, experimenting with angles and testing how switching affects movement.
Step-by-step guide to build a cardboard track switch for toy cars
How to ride a skateboard for beginners
Step 1
Clear a flat floor or table area to build your track.
Step 2
Use the pencil and ruler to draw two parallel track lines that start together and then split into two diverging paths.
Step 3
Cut two long narrow cardboard strips about as wide as the pencil lines using the scissors.
Step 4
Tape the cardboard strips onto the drawn lines to make raised guide walls for each track.
Step 5
Cut a small triangular cardboard piece that will act as the switch lever at the split.
Step 6
Fold a small tab at the base of the triangle and tape only that tab to the track base so the triangle can tilt like a hinge.
Step 7
Tape a small clothespin or bottle cap to the tip of the lever to add weight and help it hold position.
Step 8
Place the toy car at the start of the tracks and get ready to test.
Step 9
Release the car and watch which path it takes when the lever points one way.
Step 10
Move the lever to point toward the other path to change the route.
Step 11
Release the car again to see how the new lever angle redirects it.
Step 12
Share a photo or video of your finished track switch and what you learned on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use instead of cardboard, a clothespin, or a ruler if I don't have them?
Use a cereal-box or shoe-box cardboard for the long strips, a butter knife or straight edge to draw the parallel lines instead of a ruler, and tape a coin or binder clip to the triangular lever tip in place of a clothespin or bottle cap.
The car keeps jumping off the track or the lever won't tilt—how do I fix that?
Tape the cardboard guide walls flat along the drawn lines and make sure the triangular lever's folded tab is taped only at its base so it hinges freely, then add a small coin or extra clothespin weight to the lever tip and adjust the wall alignment so the car runs smoothly.
How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?
For younger children have an adult pre-draw the parallel lines and pre-cut and tape the cardboard strips and lever while using a bigger toy car and wider strips, and for older kids have them measure and score precise angles with a ruler, add more diverging paths, or replace the taped hinge with a brad fastener for a sturdier switch.
How can we enhance or personalize the track switch once it's working?
Decorate the tracks with markers or stickers, add more switches in sequence, build a small ramp at the start, and experiment by changing the lever weight or angle to see how it alters which path the toy car takes.
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Facts about basic physics and engineering for kids
🚂 A railway switch (or turnout) is the real-life version of your track switch: moving rails direct a train from one path to another.
📐 Changing a ramp's angle just a little can make a toy car go a lot faster or slower — angles really control speed!
📦 Corrugated cardboard is lightweight yet strong, which is why builders and kids use it to make ramps, tracks, and forts.
🚗 Model cars and toy cars have been used for decades to teach physics — they show gravity, speed, and momentum in a fun way.
🧪 Surface and friction matter: smoother tracks let cars roll farther, while rough or sticky surfaces slow them down.
How do I build a cardboard track switch to redirect a toy car between two paths?
What materials do I need to make a cardboard track switch for toy cars?
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