STEM at Home: Balloon Racers

What do turkeys, unicorns and thrust have in common? Nothing until now. Get ready to build 🦃 🦄 balloon racers on this #StemAtHome.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Blow up your balloon nice and big.

Pinch off the end with a clothespin, so the air doesn’t escape.

Tape a straw across the top of the balloon.

Tape a quarter on the bottom of the balloon (this adds stability).

Decorate your turkeycorn!

Tape your turkeycorn on the center of the balloon.

Run a string of decent length through the straw (this is what your balloon racer travels down).

Tie off the string to a mantle, chair or end table at both ends.

Make sure the string is taut.

Remove the clothespins and pinch off the balloons with your fingers.

At the count of three, racers release their balloons. 

Make sure to let the loser know that you won!

Your Instructor:

Brandon Willingham is a Senior Creative on Lenovo’s Worldwide Brand Team. When he’s not creating big brand ideas, he’s hanging out with his two little girls, surfing or tackling another home project.

Congratulations on making your turkeycorn balloon racer. We hope you enjoyed learning about thrust. Be sure to share your racer with #StemAtHome.

WARNING: Adult supervision required. Experiments may involve electricity, magnetism and other elements, and are intended for children 5 years and older with continuous adult supervision/assistance. Some of the supplies necessary to conduct these experiments could pose choking or other safety hazards to children of all ages.