🚗 Balloon-Powered Car

Blow up a balloon and race your car. Draft: not yet checked

How it works

When you let go of a balloon, the air rushes out the back and pushes the car forward. Push one way, go the other way! (This is Newton's third law: every action has an equal and opposite reaction.)

What you will do

1. Pick a car and a balloon.
2. Blow it up through the straw. Pinch it.
3. Set it on the line and let go.
4. Try again with one change.

Try it at home

Ask a grown-up to help.

What you need:

Balloon, straws, skewers or sticks, tape, a cardboard tube or small box, bottle caps for wheels. An adult helps with skewers.

Safety at home:

Balloon pieces are a choking risk for young children.

Watch how it is done:

• Science Buddies – Make a Balloon Car (opens another site)
• Creative Fest – Balloon Powered Car, Easy Version (opens another site)