Mini Hovercraft Experiment Worksheet

Name:

Date:

🔍 Part 1: Observations During the Experiment

1. Describe what happened when you first released the balloon on your hovercraft. What did you see and hear?

2. Compare how your hovercraft moved on different surfaces. Tick all surfaces you tested:

Smooth table

Rough carpet

Floor tiles

Other: _______________

3. On which surface did your hovercraft travel the furthest distance?

Smooth table

Rough carpet

Floor tiles

Other surface

4. What differences did you notice when using different sized balloons? Record your observations:

5. Estimate how far your hovercraft travelled on the best surface: _______ centimetres

6. Explain in your own words why the hovercraft was able to glide across surfaces:

7. What is friction, and how did the air cushion reduce it? Use evidence from your experiment:

8. Why do you think the hovercraft performed differently on rough versus smooth surfaces?

9. Based on your observations, what would happen if you made the holes in the plastic cup bigger? Explain your reasoning:

10. Real-world connection: Name two examples of where air cushions or reduced friction are used in everyday life, and explain why: