Hovercrafts are really interesting as they move on top of a layer of air. The layer of air reduces friction allowing the hovercraft to move quickly over both land and sea. We’ve been learning about friction recently, which is quite a difficult topic to grasp, but a hovercraft is a useful demonstration.
You will need:
- A CD you don’t need. We actually used the plastic cover from a pack of CDs which also worked well.
- Superglue
- A pop up lid from a drinks bottle
- Balloon
Method
- Take the lid off the drinks bottle. Discard the plastic cover cap and ensure the push down mechanism is down.
- Put superglue around the bottom rim of the lid and stick to the centre of the CD over the hole. Make sure there are no holes for air to escape through.
- Blow up a balloon, don’t let our the air. We used a hair clip to hold it in place.
- Place the balloon over the pop up.
- Lift the pop up part and let go off the balloon.
Your Hovercraft should shoot across the surface as the air is forced out the bottom.
Can you try the Hovercraft on different surfaces? What happens?
What is Friction
When two surfaces rub against each other, the force between them is friction. Friction can slow you down if you’re trying to move. Generally the rougher the surface the more friction there is. Real Hovercrafts use a powerful fan to pump air underneath themselves. Hovercrafts can travel over air and water as they move on top of a layer of air. Our balloon hovercraft reduces friction by blowing air from the balloon between the CD and surface to hold them apart.
Other Friction Activities
Such a cool idea! We are totally going to do this! We are learning about states of matter and this is also another way to illustrate that gas is matter. Love it!
it is a great hover craft my class is doing it to
But I’am doing one to.
I do not think that is about states of matter to illustrate gas matter so you are wrong you ever you are
I did not mean to do this so do it say anything.
This is GENIUS! I will definitely try this out with Ramona. Thank you! X
This is a good idea for a school project!
I’m so confused, what is a pop up lid?????