Cardboard Projects for Kids: Exploring Physics with Balloon-Powered Cars

DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM

TIME DURATION: 60 MINUTES

Get ready for an exciting DIY science project for kids that will spark their creativity and teach them about Newton's third law of motion. With cardboard projects for kids and the power of balloons, your little ones can design, build, and test their very own balloon-powered car. This is one of the best DIY balloon projects out there, allowing children to explore the wonders of science and engineering while having a blast. So why not give it a try and see what kind of car your child can create with just a deflating balloon?

Caution: Ask an adult to help with the hot glue gun and poking holes in the caps.

MATERIALS

Straws
Cardboard
Ruler
Scissors
Tape
Straws
One party balloon
Barbecue sticks
Plastic caps (from water bottles)
A hot glue gun and glue sticks

THE STEPS

Step 1. Cut a 3 x 6 inches piece of cardboard with a ruler and a pair of scissors.

Step 2. Cut the 2 straws with a length of 3-inch each. Tape them to the back of the cardboard.
Step 3. Pass the barbecue sticks through the 2 straws. They will be the axles

Step 4. Poke each end of each skewer through the center of a plastic cap. These are the wheels. Make sure the wheel is attached well to the skewer, using hot glue if needed.

Step 5. Put the balloon's head to one of the straw's tip . Tape it and make sure it's well secured, and then tape this straw lengthwise onto the top of the car.

Step 6. Blow into the balloon. Hold the tip of the straw. Put the car on the floor and remove your finger from the straw and look.

OBSERVATIONS

When inflating the balloon and you let it go, the air coming out the balloon push the car on the other side. This is an action-reaction situation. Observe how far the car goes.

Newton's laws of motion: This project demonstrates Newton's third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The action is the air rushing from the straw and pushing against the air behind the car. The reaction is the air behind the car pushing against the car with the same force, causing the forward movement of the car.

Let's go further

You can Build more balloon-powered car using different materials and measure how far they each go. You are limited only by your imagination! Give it a try:

For the base: A cardboard tube, a plastic water bottle, a plastic cup.
For the axles: pencils, barbecue.sticks,
For the wheels: Corks, CDs, spool of threads.

Other cute things to make and hand crafts for kids

If you are looking for more tiny crafts and stuff to do with your kids, take a look this other activities:

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Happy pi day to you!

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