Second-grade students at James A. Dever Elementary School put their knowledge of matter and motion to the test in a hands-on, exciting activity in the school’s Innovation Lab. Students designed, built, and tested their very own “Balloon Cars,” applying their science skills while channeling the spirit of innovation and creativity.
The lesson began with a reading of the book Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, which tells the story of Rosie, a young inventor who creates, tests, and refines her ideas to solve problems. Inspired by Rosie’s determination and inventive spirit, the students set to work designing their own vehicles, with the challenge of building a car powered by a balloon that could travel a straight line.
Throughout the project, students used everyday materials to construct their cars, experimenting with different designs to find the one that would work best. As they worked through the trial-and-error process, the children embraced the inventor’s secret: “Keep at it and never give up!”
The students thoroughly enjoyed the project, combining learning with fun as they tested their balloon cars and celebrated their successes. The activity not only strengthened their science knowledge but also encouraged them to think critically and approach problems with a creative mindset, just like an engineer.
At James A. Dever Elementary School, this hands-on experience is part of a broader initiative to foster innovation, creativity, and critical thinking among students in all grade levels.
