Year 5 Science Day

Balloon Cars:

We spent the day designing, making and testing our own balloon cars.

Designing:

First, we discussed the science behind the balloon cars (forces) and the different elements that we needed to consider in order for our balloon cars to travel the furthest. We then drew two different designs for our balloon cars models taking into consideration the different materials that were available to us. After this, we got into groups of 3 or 4 and chose a final design by analysing all the individual designs. We then drew this design.

Constructing and Testing:

Once we had finished drawing our final design, we started constructing the balloon cars with the materials stated on the drawing. After, break time we took our cars outside to test how far they travelled on a mapped out track. When testing our balloon cars and watching other peoples cars, we analysed what improvements could be made to the cars in order to make them travel further (mass, axles, streamlined).

Improving and Re-testing:

We then improved the model of our balloon cars and then went back outside to test them to analyse whether they had travelled further than the first test.