How to Build a Hovercraft That Works

Hovercrafts can traverse many surfaces by floating on a cushion of air. The air is forced out of the bottom of the craft through vents and is contained within a rubber skirt. This allows hovercraft to easily cross terrain, such as sand, snow, grass and water. Build your own simple balloon-powered hovercraft. Make it for fun or a school science project. Construct the hovercraft with materials that can be found around the house. Launch the hovercraft on smooth surfaces such as wood or tile floors, tables or calm water.

Things You'll Need

• Glue
• Old CD
• Pop-top bottle lid
• Balloon
• Rubber band

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Glue the pop-top bottle lid over the hole in the old CD, and allow to dry.

   • 2

     Attach the balloon to the pop-top lid by sliding the mouth of the balloon around the base of the lid.

   • 3

     Open the lid and inflate the balloon by blowing air through the hole on the bottom of the CD. Close the lid after the balloon is inflated.

   • 4

     Secure the balloon to the lid by wrapping a rubber band firmly around the base of the lid covered by the mouth of the balloon.

   • 5

     Open the lid, and push the hovercraft across a smooth flat surface.