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Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination

Pass the Salt: Floating Vehicle Design Challenge

Imagine and design a floating vehicle that will transport salt across the table.

MATERIALS NEEDED

  • An old compact disk (that you won't need anymore)
  • A disposable plastic bottle with a pull-up sport top
  • A large balloon
  • Masking tape
  • Scissors
  • Salt (small packets like the ones in restaurants work best)
  • French fries (or similar endpoint)

pass the salt1. Cut the top off the plastic bottle.

2. Tape the base of the bottle top to the middle of the CD, so the hole in the bottle top lines up with the hole in the CD. Tape securely all the way around the bottle top to prevent air from leaking out.

CAUTION: Be extra careful not to cut yourself in this step.


pass the salt3. Unscrew and remove the pull-up sport top and slip the balloon over the top.


pass the salt4. Blow up the balloon through the pull-up sport top and then close the top, so no air leaks out.


pass the salt5. Screw the pull-up top back onto the bottle part.


pass the salt6. Load the salt onto the CD platform.


pass the salt7. Pull open the sport top and gently tap the CD so it glides across the table toward the french fries.