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How to Make a Balloon Powered Race Car

Use an empty cereal box and balloon to make a race car. The force of the air leaving the balloon pushes the car forward. The idea is based on Newton's Third Law of Motion, which states that for every reaction there is an equal but opposite reaction. If the balloon was facing forward, the car would go backwards.

Things You'll Need

Empty cereal box
Scissors
(4) Bottle caps
(4) Straight straws
Tape
Pencil

Instructions

- 1
  Lay a cereal box flat. Cut off the side facing up.
- 2
  Poke four holes in the box with a pencil, two holes each on the longer right and left sides.
- 3
  Put a straw through each hole. Tape together the straws across from each other.
- 4
  Tape a bottle cap to each straw by wrapping tape around the end. Leave half the piece sticking up to attach to the cap. The cap can face either way.
- 5
  Blow up a balloon, but do not tie it. Hold it closed.
- 6
  Set the balloon in the middle of the box. Tape down. Keep holding the end closed. Be sure the end is facing over the back of the car.
- 7
  Let go of the balloon and the car will move.

Childrens Toys