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    Home » Primary Science » Key Stage 1 Science » How to make a Hovercraft

    How to make a Hovercraft

    January 14, 2014 By Emma Vanstone 12 Comments

    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.

    Hovercraft

    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.

    Hovercraft

    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

    Slipping and Sliding

    Last Updated on February 15, 2020 by Emma Vanstone

    « Simple Science – learning about forces
    Numeracy at Home Box »

    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Katie @ Gift of Curiosity

      January 15, 2014 at 5:18 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • hunter

        May 30, 2015 at 3:12 pm

        it is a great hover craft my class is doing it to

        Reply
        • Avant

          May 24, 2017 at 3:06 am

          But I’am doing one to.

          Reply
      • Avant

        May 24, 2017 at 3:03 am

        I do not think that is about states of matter to illustrate gas matter so you are wrong you ever you are

        Reply
        • Avant

          May 24, 2017 at 3:04 am

          I did not mean to do this so do it say anything.

          Reply
    2. WONDERTHRIFT

      January 19, 2014 at 9:19 am

      This is GENIUS! I will definitely try this out with Ramona. Thank you! X

      Reply
    3. courtney

      June 02, 2015 at 6:48 pm

      This is a good idea for a school project!

      Reply
    4. courtney

      June 08, 2015 at 1:30 pm

      I’m so confused, what is a pop up lid?????

      Reply

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