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Summary
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Abstract
You can make a very simple hovercraft with a stiff, disposable plate-a pie plate should work well-and a balloon. Glue a square of cardboard in the center of the bottom of the plate. Make a small hole through the center of both of these layers. Enlarge the hole slightly with a pencil. Push a balloon through the hole so that the opening is on the front side of the plate, and rest of the balloon sticks out from the back. Blow up the balloon, then set the plate down (balloon side up). What happens? Add weight (using clay or pennies) symmetrically around the edge of the plate to measure amount of lift force. Can you control the direction of motion by making an outlet in the edge of the plate? (Parker, 2005, 14-15) Can you see any effect of changing the hole diameter? (This may be hard to measure.) You can also research and build more elaborate types of hovercraft using battery-powered fans for lift.Bibliography
Parker, S., 2005. The Science of Air: Projects and Experiments with Air and Flight, Chicago, IL: Heinemann Library.
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Global Connections
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) are a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.
This project explores topics key to Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.
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Related Links
- Science Fair Project Guide
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Cite This Page
General citation information is provided here. Be sure to check the formatting, including capitalization, for the method you are using and update your citation, as needed.MLA Style
Science Buddies Staff.
"The Paper Plate Hovercraft." Science Buddies,
20 Nov. 2020,
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/Aero_p027/aerodynamics-hydrodynamics/make-a-paper-plate-hovercraft?class=AQUhv6SJX1M_2pOU2f1Va2eqRFPSx1TD50Omcii3JUdUeOFwuaeStSj7sEiEEyyjDDVGHO6Z3X9RnC55qVLbZxPoscaWzegjAFrNmAsLcCi0xA.
Accessed 7 May 2024.
APA Style
Science Buddies Staff.
(2020, November 20).
The Paper Plate Hovercraft.
Retrieved from
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/Aero_p027/aerodynamics-hydrodynamics/make-a-paper-plate-hovercraft?class=AQUhv6SJX1M_2pOU2f1Va2eqRFPSx1TD50Omcii3JUdUeOFwuaeStSj7sEiEEyyjDDVGHO6Z3X9RnC55qVLbZxPoscaWzegjAFrNmAsLcCi0xA
Last edit date: 2020-11-20
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