Science Experiments for Kids

In my quest for fun experiments for kids I found an incredible one. I was at a website called spartechsoftware.com.

This experiment requires cardboard, pencil, glue, paper, thread spool, balloon, and maybe a mouse.

You will need a four inch square of cardboard with a hole punched in the center the exact size as the hole in the thread spool. Now glue the spool to the cardboard where the holes can match up. Glue a circle of paper to the other side of the spool. Punch a hole in the paper that is glued to the top of the spool. Blow up the balloon and twist the end so you don’t lose air, then stretch the balloon over the paper end of the spool. Last step is to set your contraption on a table and let the balloon go.

What is happening is explained as “The air flowing from the balloon through the holes forms a layer of air between the hovercraft and the table. This reduces the friction. This layer of air reduces the friction that would have existed if the hovercraft rested directly on the table. With less friction, your hovercraft scoots across the table.”

I want to try this one myself, which is a good sign that my kids will love it.

For more experiments click here.

Have you tried this one?

Donna