No such thing as hot air in Fulton K-8 balloon-car race

 And they're off... balloon-powered cars during race.

Sir Issac Newton might not have recognized the setting, but his Third Law of Motion was put to the test and proven again in Suzanne Smith's eighth grade science class.

For her lesson plan in the Physical Science Forces and Motion Unit, Smith challenged her students to design and build a balloon-powered car that could travel at least five meters.

"The students based their design strategies on their knowledge of drag, friction, momentum, thrust and Newton's Third Law of motion," she said. The activity not only solidified the information presented in the unit, but stimulated the students' interest in STEM -- science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The cars generally had four wheels and a body where a full balloon was attached. The escaping air from the balloon provide the propulsion for the car. The challenge was having enough air in the balloon to push the mass of the car the required five meters.

“It is great to see the students participating in engaging, fun, and interesting educational projects that increase knowledge and interest in science, while preparing our scholars for college and the 21st century global economy”, said Dr. Stanley Munro, Fulton K-8 Principal.

Fulton’s comprehensive curriculum centers on critical literacy, math, science, social studies, physical education, and English language development. All students at Fulton have the opportunity to understand computer/digital technology through an experiential, sequential, and cross-curricular program in our state-of-the-art computer lab.

For more information on the programs at Fulton, contact Principal Munro at (619) 262-0777.