For many children, Noddy is their first introduction to the magical world of Enid Blyton. I remember happily reading the books and later watching the TV series with my younger brother. If you're not familiar with Noddy he lives with his friends Big Ears, Tessie Bear and Bumpy Dog in the brightly coloured Toyland where they have all kinds of exciting adventures.
Here at Science Sparks, we love crafts we can investigate with, so we made a Noddy car, which is perfect for testing ramps, setting up a fair test, learning about friction and lots more.
How to make a Noddy car

Materials
Small cardboard box
Coloured card
Double sided tape
Image of Noddy
Black pen
Dowel
Wheels

Instructions
Cut out your cardboard box so it's a rectangle shape. This will form the base of your car.
Cut out cardboard shapes like in the photo above.

Use double-sided tape to attach the cardboard pieces to the car.
Carefully make 4 holes for the wheels.
Feed through the dowel rods and attach the wheels securely. These should move freely.
Use a black pen to finish decorating the car and attach your Noddy character.

Investigate with your Noddy Car
Try rolling the car on a flat surface, carpet and over bubble wrap. Which surface does the car roll most easily over? Do you know why this is?
Make some ramps and measure how far the car rolls at the end of each one.
Can you make a friction ramp to test your car?
What do you think would happen if you added some weight to the car?
Can you turn your car into a magnet powered car?

Can you create a map of Toyland for your car to explore?

This a collaborative post with Tots100 and The Book People
Last Updated on July 1, 2025 by Emma Vanstone
Cerys says
What a fun craft and then activity to make and do with the books. And a fantastic competition as well.
Jen Walshaw says
I love this car - what a great way to learn about friction. Noddy is one of my favorites.