Name____________________________________Date_________________________ Class Period______
Balloon Race Car Lab
Objectives:
 Create a balloon powered race car for maximum speed and distance
 Incorporate Netwon’s Laws of Motion
 Learn how to use the formula: Speed = Distance / Time
Teacher Provided Materials
 9 inch balloon
 straw
*You will need to bring various materials to construct the racer, including “wheels” that are NOT
actual wheels
Rules:
 The car must be powered by balloon
 You can build the car out of anything
 It must have at least three wheels. The wheels can NOT be wheels from a toy car. They must be made
out of something that was not originally meant to be used as wheels.
 The car may not leave the ground.
 The car must be capable of traveling at least 5 meters.
Procedure:
1. You will bring in materials from home and assemble you car in class.
2. You will race in pairs against other classmates.
3. Awards will be given in three categories:
a. Best Looking Car
b. Fastest Car (in 5 meters)
c. Farthest Distance Traveled
Grading Rubric
Points Earned
Points Possible
Activity/ Criteria
Answer/Data
____________
20
Record distance traveled
______________
____________
20
Record time
______________
____________
30
Calculated Speed
______________
____________
10,20, or 30
30-car moved at least 5 m
______________
20- car moved less than 5 m
10- car didn’t move, but followed all rules
_____________= Total Points earned/ Grade