Materials
Playground slide masking tape black marker yardstick or carpenter's tape measure small plastic cars large balloons clothespins chart paper
Instructions
1. Help the children measure the length of the playground slide from the bottom to the top. Use masking tape and a marker to mark the slide in 5" increments.
2. Tape a balloon to the back of the small plastic car.
3. Blow up the balloon. Clip the opening shut with the clothespin.
4. Place the car at the bottom of the slide with the front of the car facing up the slide. The children count down (5, 4, 3, 2, 1). Then a child unclips the clothespin from the balloon.
5. The force of the air leaving the balloon will propel the car up the slide. Mark the spot where the car stops with another piece of tape. Help the children measure how far the car traveled. Keep track of each car's results. Continue using different sizes and types of cars.
6. Create a chart to show the results of the races. Brainstorm about why one car travels father than the others. Make notes about the children's ideas. Post the chart and the children's ideas for their parents to see.
7. Use two cars and balloons and have races on the slides.Tip: If the angle of the slide is too great and the cars can't move up it, try the activity on a flat surface of the sidewalk. Measure and mark out a 5' or 6' track and proceed as described in the activity.
