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How to Make a Paper Balloon Car

Balloon cars are great for racing but can also teach different scientific principles. Balloon cars can be made using simple materials and are easy for kids to build, but adult supervision should be part of the activity. Consider measuring out a course for the race using masking tape to mark the start and finish lines.

Things You'll Need

Masking Tape
Pencil
Balloon
Cardboard cup
Drinking straw
2 Thread spools
2 Rubber bands
Scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Draw an oval from the rim of the cup to one inch from the bottom of the cup, two inches to the right and straight up to the rim. Cut out this section.
- 2
  Poke a hole, using the pencil, into one side of the cup and out the other side.
- 3
  Poke a hole, using the pencil, into the middle of the bottom of the cup.
- 4
  Push one straw through the two holes in the sides of the cup and slide a spool onto the end outside of the cup on each end of the straw. Wrap a rubber band around the end of the straw on each side. These bands will hold the spools onto the straw.
- 5
  Push the end of the balloon from the inside of the cup to the outside through the hole you poked in the bottom of the cup.
- 6
  Inflate or blow up the balloon and hold the end closed. Place the car on the floor at the starting line and release your grip on the balloon neck.

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