Tabletop Hovercraft Experiment

Since the 18th century, people have attempted to create hovercrafts at home. Follow the directions below to build your own miniature, functional hovercraft. You might not be able to fit in this hovercraft, but we think it will take you to some pretty cool places. Air flow from the balloon creates a cushion of moving air between the disc and the surface. This lifts the disc and reduces friction, which allows the disc to hover.

What You’ll Need:

• An old CD or DVD disc

• One 9-inch balloon

• A pop-top cap from a liquid soap container or water bottle

• A hot glue gun

• One pushpin

• Tape

Directions:

1. Cover the center of the disc hole with a piece of tape and poke about 6 holes with the pushpin. This slows down the flow of air and allows the hovercraft to float longer.

2. Use the hot glue gun to glue the cap to the center of the disc. Make sure it is sealed to keep air from escaping.

3. Blow up the balloon all the way and pinch the neck of it.

4. Make sure the pop-top is closed and fit the neck of the balloon over the pop-up portion of the cap.

5. When you’re ready, put the hovercraft on a smooth surface and pop the top open!