Gopher Exclusive STEM Supplies Exclusive Product

EnginAIR Balloon Power Cars Kit

$319.00
Discontinued
Item#
35-403

Discover the power of air pressure while engineering a balloon-powered car!

Explore the force of air and the momentum it produces while building a car that's powered by a balloon. Working independently or in small groups, students build a car using pieces of balsa wood, wheels, straws, rubber bands, and other materials found in the classroom. They then attach a balloon, inflate it, and let it go! After measuring and recording the distance, students make alterations to the design to find ways to make the car go faster, slower, or farther. They can also experiment with friction by testing the car on various surfaces, such as a smooth floor or a carpeted floor, to see how the car reacts. This introduces students to the basics of power and pressure as the air escapes from the balloon. They also see how changing variables, such adding rubber bands to the wheels or adjusting the inflation level of the balloon, can affect the speed of the car or how far it travels. More advanced lessons look further into force, power, thrust, and Newton's Second and Third Laws of Motion as they observe the car racing from the starting line. Teachers can also assign a cost to cars and challenge students to design and build the most cost-effective car that travels the farthest. The included lesson direction is adaptable to grade ranges K-4 and 5-8. Lesson direction details setup instructions, activities by grade level, learning objectives, and teaching suggestions to expand lessons. Set includes enough supplies to build up to 4 cars. Recommended for Elementary and up.

CHOKING HAZARD (1,2). Not for under 3 yrs.

Set includes:

  • Balsa Wood Packs, 4 Sets
    • Dowels, 4 per Set
    • 36"L x 4"W x 1/8" thick, 1 per Set
    • 36"L x 1/4"W x 1/4" thick, 2 per Set
  • Wheels, 16 Ea
  • Balloons, Set of 144
  • Rubber Bands, Set of 700
  • Straws, Set of 500
  • Glue, 2 Ea