Balloon Racers

Balloon Racers

Newton's three laws seem to work perfectly on the chalkboard, but in real life we find that surfaces are seldom frictionless and that few moving objects are truly predictable. While building balloon racers we will discover how difficult it can be to make something work reliably.

The rules to this activity are simple:

* The car must be powered by balloons.
* You can build the car out of anything.
* It must have at least three wheels. Wheels are defined as anything that is round and goes around.
* The wheels cannot be wheels from a toy car. They must be made out of something that was not originally meant to be used as wheels.
* The car may not leave the ground.
* The car must be capable of traveling at least 5 meters.

On race day we will set up a track down the hallway. You will race against other classmates. Cars that follow all of the rules will be eligible for awards. These awards will be given in three categories:

* Best Looking Car
* Fastest Car (in first 5 meters)
* Farthest Distance Traveled

Good Luck!


TEST DAY WILL BE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19th. On this day we will test your design and you will be allowed to make any changes. YOU MUST HAVE SOMETHING STARTED BY TODAY!

RACE DAY WILL BE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22nd

Motion, Velocity, Speed and Acceleration

We have heard these words before, but what do they mean? We will have a more in depth discussion in the following days. Today I want you to watch the videos, check out the websites and write down what these words mean, from a Physics stand point.



Bill Nye Science in Motions Part 1



Bill Nye Science in Motion Part 2



Bill Nye Science in Motion Part 3

Dihydrogen Monoxide Research

Check this out. Are we doomed?

DiHydrogen Monoxide Research

Acids and Bases and their Properties

What is an Acid?

What is a Base?

Chem4Kids Acids and Bases

Chemistry- Acids and Bases

Properties of Acids and Bases

Fact Monster Properties of Acids and Bases



In this internet lab, we will learn the differences and be able to recognize some acids and bases in our own homes.

We will use these links in today activity.

The pH Factor

Alien Juice Bar

Chem4Kids Acids and Bases

Chemical Bonds and Electron-Dot Diagrams

Are you confused about these Ionic, Metallic and Covalent Bonds? Check this out to help clarify your thinking.



Electron Dot Configuration Explained

Assignment "Element Tiles"

To review the Elements and all the information that surrounds them we are going to make "Element Tiles". You will be given a hand out in class that has all the needed information and how you will be graded. You will be given time to research for this information on Friday. You will need to complete this activity by NOVEMBER 12th.

Paper will be provided, if you don't have some at home. I don't want to hinder your creativity by giving you one color or one type of paper.

Here are the resources I want you to check out when collecting your data for your tile.


Jefferson Lab Periodic Table Information


Chemical Element.com


Los Alamos National Laboratory Periodic Table

25 Most Common Elements

On Monday, November 9th, we will have a quiz over the 25 most common elements. On this quiz you will either be given the element symbol or the name of the element. You will be responsible for telling me the symbol or the element or both. I have provided you with the following activities to practice with and you will be making flashcards in class. SPELLING and CAPITALIZATION DOES COUNT!

On Friday, November 6th, you will have the opportunity to take a pretest. If you get 100% on the pretest, you will not have to take the test on Monday. Study up!


Quia Activities Matching, Flashcards, and Wordsearch

Quizlet Activity

Practice learning all the elements here

Click here to take your quiz.