5th Grade Technology Activity for the MSTe Course
(Math-Science-Technology – elementary level)
Mr. Gerard Holwell, Instructor


Oh Ballooney! is a problem solving activity that promotes cooperative learning, efficient use of resources, and critical thinking.

The 5th graders worked in groups of three to design and build a "jet-powered" vehicle which they raced along a 20-foot monofilament line. They first had to brainstorm and sketch ideas that utilized only the limited materials provided in a kit. They were limited to two balloons, two index cards, two paper clips, two sheets of paper, two straws, four craft sticks, and one import of their choice to limit airflow out of the balloons. Time was another finite resource since the activity was limited to six class periods. The activity was supplemented with lessons on weight, balance, friction and design.

Although some teams did not succeed in getting their vehicle to travel the entire twenty feet in the allotted class time, very few gave up without a fight; re-designing to the end! The fastest jet vehicle made the crossing in 3.43 seconds, with others following at times up to 8 seconds. The students did not want this activity to end!