DIY Project

Science

Balloon powered car

Build a car from cardboard, straws and bottle caps that zooms across the floor on balloon power.

Balloon powered car
LevelAdvanced
AgesAges 7 to 10
Time1 hour 15 minutes
Cost$0 to $6

What you'll need

Materials

Tick them off as you find them.

Tools

How to make it

Safety

Skewer tips are sharp, so snip them off, and skip balloons for anyone with a latex allergy.

  1. Step 1: Make the axle tubes
    1

    Make the axle tubes

    Cut 2 straws to the width of the cardboard. Tape them across the bottom, 1 near each end.

  2. Step 2: Poke the wheels
    2

    Poke the wheels

    Grown-up step: poke a hole in the center of each cap with a nail. Wiggle it until a skewer fits snug.

  3. Step 3: Build the axles
    3

    Build the axles

    Slide a skewer through each straw. Push a cap onto each end. Snip off the sharp tips.

  4. Step 4: Test the roll
    4

    Test the roll

    Push the car gently. If it wobbles, re-center the holes.

  5. Step 5: Add the engine
    5

    Add the engine

    Slide the balloon over one end of the last straw and wrap a rubber band around it. Tape the straw on top with the balloon over the car.

  6. Step 6: Blow and go
    6

    Blow and go

    Blow up the balloon through the straw. Pinch it, set the car down and let go.

  7. Step 7: Talk about why
    7

    Talk about why

    Air rushes out the back. The push backward sends the car forward. Every push has an equal push the other way.

Edie's tip

If the car skids, the wheels are rubbing the cardboard. Make the straws stick out a bit wider.

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