Balloon Car
Grade Range
6th-8th
Group Size
2-4 students
Active Time
1 hour
Total Time
1 hour
Area of Science
Mechanical Engineering
Key Concepts
Engineering design, potential energy, kinetic energy, conservation of energy
Learning Objectives
- Understand what potential and kinetic energy are and how one can be converted to the other.
- Use the engineering design process to iteratively test and modify a design.
Credits
Ben Finio, PhD, Science Buddies
This lesson plan is related to the 2015 Fluor Engineering Challenge.
OverviewYour students will design, build, and race balloon-powered cars in this fun lesson plan that teaches about engineering design and kinetic and potential energy.NGSS AlignmentThis lesson helps students prepare for these Next Generation Science Standards Performance Expectations:
Materials![]() Note: since this is an engineering design project, it does not have an exact list of required materials for students to build their cars. You can use the materials you have available in your classroom, including recycled materials, to keep costs down. The list below provides some suggestions.
Reviews |
Grade Range
6th-8th
Group Size
2-4 students
Active Time
1 hour
Total Time
1 hour
Area of Science
Mechanical Engineering
Key Concepts
Engineering design, potential energy, kinetic energy, conservation of energy
Credits
Ben Finio, PhD, Science Buddies
This lesson plan is related to the 2015 Fluor Engineering Challenge. Learning Objectives
|
Explore Our Science Videos
Make Your Own Lava Lamp
|
Walking Water Experiment
|
Paper Rockets - STEM Activity
|