Maker Monday: UFO Hovercraft
Maker Monday moves into outer space with this fun STEAM project. The air-propelled UFO Hovercraft sets imaginations on overdrive as it scoots across a table or floor.
The balloon pushes a cushion of air that lifts the hovercraft slightly off the surface so it dashes about. Try competing with a fleet of UFO Hovercrafts in a mad swirl of flying saucers.
Supplies:
Balloons
CD or DVD
Plastic bottle cap
Glue gun
Markers
Tack
Twist tie
Decorate the CD or DVD with markers to create your UFO. Go for old-school Marvin the Martian or a Star Wars-themed Millennium Falcon.
Pierce a plastic bottle cap with a tack, making about 8-10 holes.
With a glue gun, edge the bottle cap with glue and attach to center of DVD. Ring the cap with glue to be sure it is airtight. Let cool and harden.
Blow up the balloon, give it a twist, and close with the twist tie.
Stretch the balloon opening over the bottle cap. Holding the balloon shut, remove the twist tie and let it go! The UFO Hovercraft will slide over any smooth surface until the air runs out. To play some more, simply remove the balloon, blow it up and go again!
For more Maker Monday projects and other fun stuff for kids, visit the Kidsburgh Activities page.
