Balloon Car

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In this activity, learners explore force and motion by constructing cardboard cars that are propelled by balloons. Learners can experiment with balloons of various sizes and shapes to change the speeds and distances their cars can travel. Use this activity to introduce learners to Newton's Laws of Motion. Note: a drill and drill bits may be used during this activity, but these are not included in the cost of materials. [Activity is publicly available through a web crawler capture on Archive.org.]

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 11
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • 1 balloon
  • 4 wheels (plastic bottle caps)
  • 2 pieces of straw
  • 2 dowels or bamboo skewers
  • 1 small piece of 1/2 in. PVC pipe
  • 1 piece of cardboard
  • masking tape
  • 13/16 in. paddle bit
  • hot glue gun
  • utility knife
  • drill bit, same diameter as dowel
  • drill

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Transportation Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Momentum and Velocity
      • Acceleration
      • Newton's Laws
    • States of Matter
      • Gases
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Toys
  • Transportation

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Fresno Community Science Workshop

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Fresno Community Science Workshop, 2012

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