TTS Balloon Buggy Class Kit

Overview

• Investigate forces that make things move, understand mechanical systems in products, and compare the average speed of buggies.

• This balloon making kit helps children understand forces and motion through hands-on activities. They will mark and cut a base, attach straws as bearings, fit axles and wheels, and attach a hose and balloon. When the balloon is inflated, the buggy zooms across the room, demonstrating forces that make things begin to move, get faster or slow down.

• Children can add passengers, decorate their buggies, and optimise performance by reducing friction. They can also calculate and compare the average speed of their buggies.

• The kit includes a lesson plan, PowerPoint, pupil worksheet, and a blog. Created by mechanical engineer Caroline Alliston, it supports classroom science experiments and STEM challenges for up to 60 children.