(Part of the Mechanical Engineering Badge Set)
Yes – 2011 Is the current GSUSA badge
Images on this page are original artwork by The Badge Archive. This site does not display official GSUSA badges. Visit the GSUSA shop to view and purchase official merchandise.
Released in 2017.
The 2011 Junior Page has information on when all badges were released.
What is this badge about?
Learn about energy and build a balloon-powered car. Then test how far it can go.
Quick Links:
Activity Choices, Meeting Plans, Solo Scouts,
Uniform Placement, GSUSA Info & Links
Our Summary* of Requirements:
- Know what potential and kinetic energy is and how potential energy changes to kinetic energy.
- Build a balloon car.
- Test the balloon car.
- Share the test results with a “Why?” question answered from the testing.
- Think of a way you could improve the balloon car if you ever made it a second time.
* – This summary is based off the GSUSA booklet activity choices.
Activity Choices
Work in Progress, links may not be available. Check back later!
- Do one Required Activity:
- Read Potential and Kinetic.
- Do one Required Balloon Car activity and ensure you do four things:
- Build a Balloon Car.
- Test the car.
- Share the test results.
- Think of an improvement.
Available Troop Meeting Plans
- (1) 90 Min Mtg – Basic Meeting Plan by The Badge Archive
- (2) 90 Min Mtgs – GSUSA Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) free plan
- Mtg 1: Potential and Kinetic Energy, Design and Build a Balloon Car
- Mtg 2: Test Your Car, Analyze your Results, Brainstorm an Improvement
How to earn individually as a Solo Scout?
- At Home Plan w/video from GSCWM
- Archived Copy of PDF from GSSEF – Original Link
- Video Walkthrough from Better Science Teaching
- Video Walkthrough from GE Aviation
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Is there a matching badge for Multi-Level Troops?
Learn about the Automotive Multi-level GSUSA 2011 badges.
Where does this go on the Uniform?
This is a Skill Based Badge and goes on the troop number side of the vest – Click Here to see Junior diagrams and details on where to place it or sash placement.
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GSUSA Information and Details
There are five steps needed to complete this badge, found on the Girl Scout Shop description or searching the GSUSA Badge Explorer. Information on the official requirements can also be found on the Scout’s Honor Wiki.
Printed Booklets
Booklet and VTK Information(Coming Soon)- Buy the GSUSA Leader Guide Booklet
Other Non-GSUSA Resources
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For More Fun Ideas and Plans
Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
(Not an official GSUSA Group)
Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
(Not an official GSUSA Group)
See other Recommended Facebook Groups for some Scouting Organizations
(No official Groups)
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Click Here -> To see information References:
Disclaimer: The information published on The Badge Archive is built from the references listed below. These sources demonstrate that our content is grounded in facts and research, not opinion or speculation. Readers may consult them directly when looking for additional material.
- Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. “Meeting : Balloon Car Design Challenge 1.” My.girlscouts.org, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., https://my.girlscouts.org/content/girlscouts-vtk/en/vtk.html. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
- Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. “Meeting : Balloon Car Design Challenge 2.” My.girlscouts.org, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., https://my.girlscouts.org/content/girlscouts-vtk/en/vtk.html. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
- Roberts, Rachel. Junior the Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting. New York, NY, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., 2011.
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- Find out how you can support The Badge Archive!
- Return to the 2011 Junior Badge List.
- Return to the 2011 Junior Badge Gallery (listed by release date).
Short Link: https://thebadgearchive.com/gsu-30-bal/
