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How to Create a Balloon Car Racer

Balloon-powered race cars have fascinated people for generations. A balloon-powered car combines science and fun in a way that is appealing to almost any child or adult. One way to put a balloon racer to work is to make several cars and race them. This design, using only a playing card and two sets of wheels, is sure to win nearly every race. The reason this car goes so fast is because it is extremely lightweight. This racer can be completed in 10 minutes or less.

Things You'll Need

Playing card
Scissors
Duct tape
10- to 12-inch balloon
2 sets toy car wheels with axles
Drinking straw
Pushpin

Instructions

- 1
  Fold the playing card into thirds horizontally. Poke one hole into each corner of the card with the pushpin. Fold the two ends of the card downward to create a table-like shape from the card.
- 2
  Cut a small rectangle from the center of the card with the scissors. Make the rectangle about as wide as your finger.
- 3
  Blow up the balloon two to three times to stretch out the balloon and make it easier to blow up once it is attached to the car.
- 4
  Cut the drinking straw in half. Tape the two halves of the balloon together. Insert one end of the straws inside the neck of the balloon. Tape the neck of the balloon tightly closed over the drinking straws.
- 5
  Push the straws through the hole in the top of the playing card. Make sure the balloon is sitting on top of the playing card.
- 6
  Tape the drinking straws to the bottom of the playing card. Make sure the straws stick straight out on the backside of the car so that you can easily reach them to blow the balloon up. Do not tape any part of the balloon, other than the neck, to the playing card.
- 7
  Remove one of the car wheels from its axle. Push the axle through two of the holes you made on the corners of the playing card. The card should not drag on the ground in any way. Attach the wheel on the other side of the car once the axle is through. Repeat for the other set of wheels. Make sure the wheels can turn easily.
- 8
  Blow up the balloon using the straws. Pinch the straws tightly to prevent the air from escaping. Place the balloon car on a smooth, flat surface and let the straws go. The balloon will shoot off like a rocket.

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