1. TecEd 9 TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGE
‘The Balloon Vehicle’
DUE DATE: Thursday June 15th (D-Block)
Friday June 16th (C-Block)

2. Introduction This Technology project is to be done at home.
*You may get help from family and friends.
*Research on the Internet about this topic.
(Have lots of fun!)

3. Theory…
The air rushing out of a balloon pushes the balloon in the opposite direction from the airflow. This is called propulsion.
All transportation vehicles have some type of propulsion system.
Propulsion systems consist of a source of energy, a way of converting that energy into useful power, and a way of transmitting the power to move the vehicle.

4. **In this activity, you will design, build, test, and race a transportation vehicle that uses a balloon as the only energy source.
**You will need to use the six-step problem solving process in the design and production of your vehicle.

5. CONCEPTS: The problem solving process involves six steps:
a. Define the problem clearly
b. Set goals (desired results)
c. Develop alternative solutions
d. Select the best solution
e. Implement the solution (use it)
f. Evaluate and adjust

6. Problem: “TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGE”
**Design and produce a vehicle to transport itself across the Modular Lab floor.
Your Goal… To have the greatest distance (measured in a straight line).
The ONLY source of energy to be used is a balloon.

7. Materials: (Suggested List)
 Max cm inflated round balloons (1)
 Coat hangers
 Dowel rods
 Hot melt glue/Elmer’s wood glue
 Nails/Nuts/bolts/screws
 Paper towel/toilet paper rolls
 Two-liter bottles
 Used CDs for wheels 
Wood/Metal/Plastic
 Styrofoam/Cardboard

8. SPECIFICATIONS: 1. The results must be a land transportation vehicle.
2. The balloon is to remain the ONLY energy source. NO other energy sources may be added or substituted.
3. On race day, each vehicle will run three times and the distance traveled will be measured in a straight line to the front of the vehicle.
Longest distances and an average distance will be recorded.

9. EVALUATION RUBRIC The following are required:
Balloon powered vehicle worksheet pts.
Balloon powered vehicle performance pts.
Balloon powered vehicle designs pts.
Creativity, originality, workmanship) pts.
Vocabulary Terms pts.
_____________
Total = 150 pts.

10. BONUS
**In addition, winners of each of the following will receive additional points.
Longest distance in the class pts.
Longest average distance (3 races) pts.
Most creative (voted by class) pts.
Best built vehicle (voted by class) pts.
Possible: +40 pts.

11. **You may work with a PARTNER**
Important to Know…
On “Race Day”…
Show up with Balloon Car
(10 pts at start line plus 1 pt for each Foot traveled)
Pass in Work-Sheet
(Q’s 1 – 6, Vocabulary Terms, Performance & Vehicle Design)
Extra Balloons, Parts & Materials (Repairs)
**You may work with a PARTNER**

12. Balloon Car Design Land Transportation Technology Challenge 2005 Mr.S
TecEd 9 Lockview High School

13. TecEd 9
Balloon Vehicles

14. Some Samples………..

41. Table Top Racing

42. Lockview High School TecEd 9
The Challenge Continues
Lockview High School TecEd 9
Mr.S