How to Make a CD Hovercraft

Last Updated: October 21, 2021

Building a hovercraft with a CD is a fun and easy way to teach kids about physics. It can inspire them to recycle and be creative. In this tutorial, you will easily learn how to make a working model and to explain the science of a hovercraft.

Steps

1
Preheat the glue gun to the desired temperature setting. Then insert the glue stick.
2
Check the plastic pullout bottle cap by aligning to center hole of the CD making sure it fits. Once you know it fits, remove it.
3
Apply the hot glue on the ring around the water bottle cap.
4
Quickly align and firmly press the cap against the center hole of the CD.
5
Hold the cap against the CD until the glue cools down and hardens.
6
Stretch the mouth of the balloon over the water bottle cap attached to the CD.
7
Pull the pullout cap outward on the bottle cap while holding the balloon in place.
8
Flip the CD over and blow underneath the cap to inflate the balloon.
9
Close the cap to seal the air inside the balloon.
10
Place the hovercraft on a flat surface. Then pull out the water bottle cap.
11
Move the hovercraft. It should take very little force. When the balloon deflates, inflate it again to repeat the process.

Community Q&A

Question

Is this a technology project?

T. Chinsen

Top Answerer

This model demonstrates the basic concept of how a hovercraft works. By itself, it is not a technology project. Adding a motor, air cushion skirt and directional controls would make it a technology project.
Question

How does surface area, position of center of gravity, mass and directional mechanism affect how long the hovercraft travels? Is there an explanation for them also?

T. Chinsen

Top Answerer

The CD hovercraft is a simple model that has no specific directional mechanism. It can be used as a starting point for an engineering challenge to answer your questions. Its travel time for this model depends on the size of the balloon and the rate at which the air is released from the balloon. Resources online will explain the principles of hovercraft in better detail.
Question

Do I have to use a glue gun, or would a quick-drying glue work?

Community Answer

Hot glue would probably work best, but you could also use super glue. As long as it has a strong bond, you should be fine.