| How to Make a Balloon Car Nov 5th 2012, 03:00 Making a balloon car is a fun and easy way to repurpose a drink carton into a science experiment, craft lesson and eventual plaything for the kids. This activity can help teach your kids how wind energy can propel an object and will also encourage them to discover the potential for craft in waste items. - Find a suitable drink carton and rinse it out. Then, cut off the top, as shown here.
Find a suitable drink carton and rinse it out. - Cut off one of the big sides, the long way, as shown here. You can wipe out any water droplets or sticky juice at this point. Make sure it's clean before proceeding.
Cut off one of the big sides, the long way, as shown here. - Cut a small hole in the middle of one of the short sides of the carton. This is where the balloon goes. You'll probably have to mess around with the size of the hole. If it's too big or too small, there won't be enough force to move the car.
Cut a small hole in the middle of one of the short sides of the carton. - Push the balloon opening through this hole, as shown here. Do not blow it up until you are ready to actually use the car (later on).
Push the balloon opening through this hole, as shown here. - It is best to use a round balloon rather than a long skinny one.
- Pierce small holes on each side of the carton, at even levels, and make them large enough for straws to fit through. The straws will serve as the axles. Push the straws though these holes. Make sure they're close to the bottom.
Pierce small holes on each side of the carton, at even levels, and make them large enough for straws to fit through. - Attach cotton spools to the straws. Push pins through the straws to keep the spools on.
Attach cotton spools to the straws. - Blow up the balloon. But don't tie the end––once it has been blown up, let your car go!
- If this is a group or class project, have the kids measure whose car travels 15 tile blocks. This can lead to some constructive competitiveness to work out how to make the cars go faster (see "Tips" for a few ideas).
If this is a group or class project, have the kids measure whose car travels 15 tile blocks.
- Lightweight boxes such as a cardboard shoebox will make your car go faster.
- Using bigger wheels will cover more distance.
- Use a balloon that's on the bigger side for faster fun. When you let go, it may even fly!
Edit Warnings - If you're allergic to latex, use latex-free balloons.
- Don't blow too much; you could get light-headed.
Edit Things You'll Need - Half-gallon (1.8 liter) milk carton
- Balloon
- Straws
- 4 spools
- Some straight pins
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