Air-Powered Balloon Hovercraft Tabletop Glider

25 mins Ages 4-6 Indoor

A playful, screen-free adventure designed to spark curiosity, sensory exploration, and fine motor skills for kids aged 4 to 6.

Materials Needed

  • • Recycled CD or DVD disc (1 unit)
  • • Push-pull sport bottle cap (from water or dish soap bottle) (1 unit)
  • • Latex party balloons (9-inch) (2 units)
  • • Hot glue gun (adult use) (1 unit)

Pro Tips

  • → Glue the base of a pop-up drink cap over the center hole of an old CD, ensuring a tight seal.
  • → Close the cap, stretch an inflated balloon over the spout, and place the CD on a smooth table.
  • → Pop the cap open: escaping air forms a cushion beneath the CD, allowing it to glide across the table with a light tap.

Safety First

Adult handles hot glue to seal the cap to the CD. Discard broken balloon pieces.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Step 1

Hot-glue the base of a push-pull sports drink bottle cap over the center hole of an old CD, creating an airtight seal.

2

Step 2

Push the drink cap valve down into its closed position.

3

Step 3

Inflate a 9-inch balloon, pinch the neck, and stretch it over the closed drink cap nozzle.

4

Step 4

Place the CD on a smooth table, pull the cap valve open, and tap the disc to glide it across the air cushion.

What they are learning

Air cushion frictionless sliding Pneumatic pressure mechanics Hovercraft engineering principles