Balloon Buggy Class Kit

Balloon Buggy Class Kit

A cross-curricular STEM kit for 60 pupils to each make, test, evaluate and improve their own balloon buggies.

• They will investigate forces that make things start to move, speed up and slow down, understand the use of mechanical systems in products and calculate and compare the average speed of the buggies as they whizz across the floor.

• The pupils will mark out and cut a base, attach bearings (straws) then fit axles and wheels. They will attach a length of hose and a balloon, blow up the balloon then watch the buggy zoom across the room. They will add passengers and decorate their buggy, then try to optimise the performance, for example by reducing friction.

• The project is ideal for Key Stage 2 pupils. Here are quotes from teachers:

• “A great success – the children really enjoyed it, improving their skills in both DT and science. Heaps of fun!”

• “The children had a thoroughly good time but surprised themselves with how much they'd learned. It is really helpful for them to 'see' the forces in action, as it were.”

• Created by mechanical engineer Caroline Alliston. Comprehensive supporting literature includes a lesson plan, PowerPoint, pupil worksheet and ‘how to’ blog.