Balloon

Racers
Objectives:

Conduct field investigations using safe, environmentally appropriate, & ethical practices
(TEKS 8.1)

Use scientific inquiry methods during field investigations (TEKS 8.2)

Use critical thinking & scientific problem solving (TEKS 8. 3)
Know how to use a variety of tools & methods to conduct scientific inquiry (TEKS 8.4)
Know that relationships exist between science & technology: identify a problem, propose a
solution, design & test a model to solve the problem then evaluate & improve the model
(TEKS 8.2b)

Demonstrate how unbalanced forces cause changes in the speed or direction of an

objects motion (TEKS 8.6A)

Investigate and describe applications of Newtons Laws of inertia, law of force and acceleration, and
law of action-reaction. (TEKS 8.6C)

Background Info:
Newtons three laws seem to work perfectly on the chalk board, but in real life we
find that surfaces are seldom frictionless and that few moving objects are truly
predictable. This is because outside forces interfere with Newtons perfect situations.
Balloon racers rely primarily on Newtons 3rd Law of Motion. As the air rushes backward
out of the balloon it pushes the car forward in the opposite direction with an equal force.
Your job is to make the most of this force! While building the balloon racer you will
discover how difficult it can be to make something work reliably.
Materials:
Bring materials from home to use to build your racer. Only scissors, tape and rulers
will be provided by your teacher
All students will be given 2 balloons. ONE to use when designing/testing. The
OTHER balloon will be used on race day. You MAY NOT use a balloon from home on
race day.
Procedures/Rules:
1. Racer must be powered by one balloon only. If you have additional power boosters
or equipment used to power the car, you will be disqualified and receive a zero.
2. You can build the car out of anything except a preexisting toy/model car, etc.
3. Racer must have at least 3 wheels. Wheels are defined as anything that is round
and goes around. They must be made out of something that was not originally
meant to be used as wheels. Wheels off a preexisting toy/model car are NOT
acceptable.
4. Racer may not leave the groundyes, this means it cannot fly!
5. Racer must be capable of traveling at least 5 meters in a relatively straight line on
race day. Distance covered while veering off course or going in circles does not
count. How well the racer performed or how far it traveled before race day does
not count.

6. On race day we will set up a track in our hallway.You will have 3 trials- the best
distance of the 3 will be used. Your car will start BEHIND the start line. After the
car has made a complete stop, the total distance traveled will be measured from
the back of the race car.
Hints:
First- choose the materials to build the chassis or body of the car. Pick something
that is light and sturdy. Design a chassis that is long enough. Short cars tend to
spinout more often.
Second- build and mount the wheels. The hard part is getting mounted with little
friction. If wheels are not mounted straight or are not free to spin smoothly, the car
will not perform well.
Last- The balloon should not drag on the floor too much friction. Attach the
balloon to a straw, pen barrel, etc. so that the air comes out in a smooth manner.
Rubric:
PROJECT GRADE is based SOLELY on DISTANCE TRAVELED on race day not on
effort or how hard you worked or how pretty it is. In the real world,
organizations and companies like NASA, Boeing, General Dynamics, etc. expect
their employees designs and projects to perform on demand.
Furthest distance traveled in 3 trials will be use to calculate project grade.
Distance Traveled
5m
4.5 m
4m
3.5 m
3m
2.5 m
2m
1.5 m
1m
.5 m
0m

Grade
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

CLASS DAYS for

DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION & TESTING:
January 26, 27maybe February 2

RACE DAY:
Tuesday, February 3