Sarah Spivey, a meteorologist at KSAT, recently visited Thousand Oaks Elementary to conduct a wind power experiment using balloon hovercrafts. Parents, teachers, and students were amazed at the demonstration and learned about the science behind it. Sarah’s experiments are part of her Science with Sarah segment that airs on GMSA@9 every Wednesday morning.
To conduct the experiment, students used materials such as a hot glue gun, an old CD or DVD, a large balloon, and a pop-top cap. The process was simple: first, decorate the CD or DVD if desired; then use the hot glue to attach the closed pop-top to the middle of the CD or DVD. Next, inflate the balloon and twist it (do not tie it) to keep the air in; place the balloon over the pop-top; and finally, open the pop-top to watch your hovercraft float on a table.
If you’re interested in having Sarah and David conduct a live science experiment at your school through KSAT’s Science with Sarah program, fill out this form for a chance to be selected at random. Don’t miss out on these exciting scientific demonstrations!
