In our activity, children will build a balloon powered car and learn that energy that is stored can be transformed into kinetic energy.  We will demonstrate a pre-made balloon powered car, and encourage the children to hypothesize why the car moves.  After the children decide that it is the air moving out of the straw that causes the car to move, we will explain the concepts of conservation of energy, Newton’s third law (equal and opposite forces), and conservation of momentum to help the children understand the physical principles behind the motion of the car.  We will then show the children how the cars are made, and assist them in the construction of their own cars.  The car consists of a cardboard platform on wheels with a bending straw mounted to the top of it.  One end of the straw is attached to a balloon and the other is left open.  The straw functions to redirect the pressurized air escaping from the balloon.  When the balloon is inflated and the car is set down, the deflating balloon will accelerate air through the straw causing the car to move.  When each child has built a car, he or she will test Newton’s third Law by varying the amount they inflate their balloon, causing the car to travel varying distances.

 

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