If you’re looking for an engaging activity that will keep the kids entertained these school holidays, then this STEM-inspired project from content creator and mum, Nicole Doherty, (@mumma_to_glamma) is just what you need.

STEM - which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math – is an approach to learning that blends these four fields together to spark curiosity and get kids thinking creatively to problem solve.

These DIY balloon cars are a great introduction to STEM as they encourage learning through creative play. The key lesson they will explore is the engineering design process, learning through trial and error and problem-solving. It’s likely that the car might not roll perfectly on the first try, so your kids are immediately challenged to think like real engineers. They must investigate the problem (like a crooked wheel or not enough air in the balloon), brainstorm a fix, and test again. It teaches them that a “failed” test run isn’t a mistake, it’s just a puzzle waiting to be solved.

With just a few simple, everyday items, you can have a fun-filled afternoon that also doubles as educational moment. Find everything you need to bring this exciting science experiment to life at Target, and Bargain Castle.

Your shopping list:

• Plastic water bottles, empty.
• Plastic bottle caps.
• Paper straws.
• Wooden kitchen skewers.
• A multi-pack of colourful balloons.
• Elastic bands.
• Colourful masking tape.
• Supplies to build a racetrack such as checkered paper cups, mini checkered flags, striped streamers and masking tape to outline the racecourse.

Once you’ve gathered everything, it’s time to build, test, and race.

How to build your STEM balloon cars

Instructions are for one car

1. Start by cutting one straw in half and trim two wooden skewers so they are slightly longer than the straw pieces.
2. Carefully poke a small hole in the centre of four bottle caps.
3. Help your kids tape the straws to one side of the water bottle, making sure everything is lined up and straight so that the car can still roll.
4. Add a bottle cap to one end of a skewer and slide that through a straw, placing the other bottle cap on the end. Repeat this for the second set of wheels.
5. Stretch the neck of a balloon over the end of a fresh straw and secure it tightly with an elastic.
6. Make a small cut near the bottom of the water bottle so the straw comes out the top of the bottle.
7. Now for the fun part. Have each child blow through the straw to inflate their car’s balloon, making sure they pinch that end with their finger, so the air doesn’t escape.
8. Have them then place their car on the homemade racetrack and let it go.

The race to the finish line is just the beginning. Keep the excitement going by challenging your kids to fine-tune their cars by prompting them with questions like, what if the balloon is twice as big? Or how can we adjust the wheels to make it drive straighter? Asking these questions can turn this simple DIY racing car into a brilliant lesson in problem solving.

Skip the screen time and keep the kids entertained with the fun of creativity and learning through play. You can pick up all the key balloon car parts at Castle Plaza, so come in-centre to find everything you need for a STEM filled afternoon.