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How to Make Simple Moving Toys

A balloon stores the potential power to become an engine strong enough to drive a toy car forward. Make a toy car that will move forward each time the balloon is inflated. Household items and supplies from a party store are needed. Tools that most homes have already will be needed as well.

Things You'll Need

Cardboard, 5-by-7-inches
Ruler
3 plastic straws
Stapler with staples
4 bottle caps
Utility knife
Duct tape
Balloon

Instructions

- 1
  Place the cardboard on a table horizontally. Measure 4 inches in from each end with a ruler. Make a dot at every inch mark with a pencil.
- 2
  Lay a straw vertically across the cardboard at each of the dots. Staple each end of the straw to the cardboard with a stapler.
- 3
  Place a bottle cap face down on the table. Cut a hole in the center of the cap with a utility knife. Repeat this procedure with the three other bottle caps.
- 4
  Place bottle caps over the ends of the straws. Pinch the end of the straws. Place a piece of duct tape over each pinched end.
- 5
  Turn the cardboard over. Insert a straw into the neck of the balloon. Wind duct tape around the end of the neck to secure it to the straw.
- 6
  Place the straw against the top of the cardboard so that the balloon hangs over the left side. Staple the straw at two points to the cardboard -- one in front of the neck of the balloon and the other an inch in from the end of the straw.
  
  .
- 7
  Blow into the straw to inflate the balloon. Press your finger against the end of the straw when the balloon is almost completely inflated.
- 8
  Place your air-powered moving car on the floor. Aim the end of your moving car (where the balloon is) at a far wall. Release your finger from the straw to force air out of it that propels the car toward the wall.

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