How to Build a Mini Hovercraft at Home
Hovercrafts are devices that use air to glide over different terrains, like grass, ice, and water. In addition to using the technology to build large, specialised, heavy-duty vehicles, the technique is also used to make a variety of toys. If you are searching for a quick and easy activity at home, and looking to entertain your kids, try building a mini hovercraft at home, by using a couple of simple things you are likely to have lying around the house.
Things Required:
– Margarine container lid
– Scissors
– Wooden thread spool
– Glue
– Balloon
Instructions
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1
Use your scissors to cut a tiny hole in the margarine container's lid – this hole should not be more than roughly 2 mm, and it is essential to keep it from widening, as this will prevent the hovercraft from working properly. You will also need to ensure that the margarine lid is free of any greasy residue – wash it and wipe it clean before you use it to build the hovercraft.
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2
Next, proceed to glue one end of your wooden thread spool to the margarine lid. Make sure the opening in the wooden thread spool lines up evenly with the hole you cut in the margarine lid earlier. Use strong craft glue for this, and allow it to dry completely.
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3
Now, blow a balloon up with air, and twist it at the very end, to keep the air inside from escaping. The balloon will be the source of power for your homemade mini hovercraft. While keeping the balloon twisted and inflated, stretch out the mouthpiece of the balloon and fix it over the end of the wooden thread spool that is sticking upwards.
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4
Still keeping the balloon twisted and thus inflated, carry your mini hovercraft over to a body of water – a swimming pool, or a nearby lake will work great, but the beach might not be such a good option, owing to the waves. Bathtubs can also be good, safe sites for operating mini hovercrafts, but owing to their small size, they are unlikely to allow the craft to hover for long.
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5
Place the hovercraft on the surface of the water, and then release the balloon. It will untwist, and the air it releases will propel your hovercraft upwards and onwards, causing it to glide over the surface of the water.
