Home >> Toys >> Other Toys

Directions for a CD Hovercraft

Although the first design for a hovercraft, or air cushion vehicle, was made by Emmanuel Swedenborg in 1716, and a prototype built in the 1870s by Sir John Thornycroft, invention of the familiar modern hovercraft is credited to Sir Christopher Cockerell, whose design resulted in the launch of the first working hovercraft in 1959. Today, it's possible to make many types of hovercraft ranging from complex utility vehicles to simple homemade models.

Things You'll Need

Popup top from sport drink or water bottle
Hot glue gun or other strong glue
Balloon

Instructions

- 1
  Remove any labels from the CD and clean it and the popup top thoroughly. If desired, decorate the shiny side of the CD, using markers or labels. Place the CD shiny side up on a flat, smooth work surface.
- 2
  Close the popup top and place it on the CD, centering it over the CD's center hole. Using a hot glue gun, apply a bead of glue evenly around the bottom of the top. Make sure there are no gaps, so that when the glue dries it will form an airtight seal around the top, securing it firmly to the CD.
- 3
  Blow up the balloon. Twist the end so it will not open without being untwisted, or pinch it shut, but don't tie or knot it. Holding the twisted or pinched area so it doesn't come undone, carefully stretch the neck securely over the top of the closed popup top.
- 4
  Place the CD on the floor or other large, smooth surface. Taking care that the balloon doesn't come off, reach through it and carefully pull up the popup top.
- 5
  Untwist or release the balloon. Watch the CD hover as the air from the balloon is pushed out through the opening in the bottle top, creating a thin cushion of air under the CD on which it will float. Give the CD a push and watch it glide around the floor until there is no more air in the balloon, at which time it will stop.
- 6
  Blow up the balloon again, and repeat the process as many times as you like.

Other Toys