Air and wind transportation is one of the easiest of the transportation experiments to demonstrate. This makes it a good project for young children. One of the least expensive and easiest air power transportation projects uses a full balloon taped to a straw. Fishing line is threaded through the straw and tied taught across two parallel points. Releasing the air in the balloon demonstrates the power of air. The air in the balloon is stored energy and when released the energy produces mechanical energy that moves the balloon along the fishing line, according to Energy Quest.
One of the most popular transportation science projects looks at how light generates enough energy to transport a vehicle. This type of project requires some skills at assembling, although pre-made kits are also available for purchase. To demonstrate solar transportation, a small car, usually from a kit, is outfitted with small solar panels on the surface. Light cells are also added to the car to convert the light (solar or artificial) into power. The light produces a current that can move the car, according to Julian Trubin Science Fair Projects. To show how different wavelengths produce more energy than others, use different colored lights and measure the difference the car travels after being exposed to the various wavelengths.
Steam transportation science projects have varying levels of difficulty. From diagramming how a steam engine works to actually assembling and demonstrating the science, this project is best suited to middle-school to high-school students. Steam transportation can be explained using a toy steam engine and a simple steam experiment. The steam engine (purchased from a model or toy shop) is used to show the pistons and other moving parts of the engine. The concept behind steam can be demonstrated using a corked test tube full of water. Heat the test tube until the water boils and turns into gas in the tube. Uncorking the tube will release the steam, or water vapor. Steam is hot, so the tube should face away from people when it is uncorked. Use this concept to study how steam is used to power the engine of the boat.