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Balloon-Powered Car
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Teach kids the basics of propulsion and energy transfer by building a simple car powered by air from a balloon.
Material List
Plastic straws
Balloons
Rubber bands
Bottle caps (4 per car, for wheels)
Skewers or wooden dowels (for axles)
A lightweight cardboard base or a plastic bottle cut into a flat piece
Tape and scissors
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Step by Step Instructions
Prepare the Base
(5–10 minutes):
Use a piece of lightweight cardboard or a flat piece of plastic as the car base.
Attach the Wheels
(10 minutes):
Poke holes in the center of four bottle caps to make wheels.
Insert skewers or dowels through the holes to create axles.
Secure the axles to the base using tape or small holes punched through the cardboard. Make sure the wheels can spin freely.
Create the Balloon Propulsion
(10 minutes):
Attach a balloon to one end of a plastic straw using a rubber band, ensuring it is airtight.
Tape the straw and balloon setup to the car's base, with the straw pointing backward for propulsion.
Test and Adjust
(5–10 minutes):
Blow up the balloon through the straw, pinch the end, place the car on the floor, and release to watch it go.
Make adjustments as needed for better performance.
Skills Developed
Introduces concepts of physics, energy transfer, and engineering.
Encourages problem-solving and critical thinking.
Provides a fun, hands-on experience with STEM principles.
