Activity Overview
Kid scientists of all ages will have fun practicing Newton's Second and Third Laws of motion with this tactical and engaging Balloon Rocket Blaster Experiment. This is an experiment which will keep children entertained as they repeatedly work on new challenges by varying the experiment with simple weights.
If you have dual setups, the "races" don't have to be whose balloon rocket went the fastest or the farthest. To keep it less competitive, try challenging kids to blast off to the half way mark or other areas along the string. This experiment is also lots of fun to simply execute the balloon rocket over and over again.
Materials Needed
- Thin String, twine or fishing line
- Straws
- Masking Tape
- Regular sized balloons
- Various small items to use as weights such as pennies, used up AAA batteries, washers etc.
How To Do It
- Cut a piece of string or fishing line approximately 10-15 feet in length.
- Put the other end of the string through the straw.
- Pull the string tight and tie one end to your lowest chosen spot; a table leg, a chair, or railing. Tie the other end to a secure higher area.
- Blow up the balloon but do not tie it. Hold it closed and have a friend tape the balloon to the straw.
- You are now ready for launch. Let go of the balloon and watch it shoot up like a rocket.
- You can have challenges by setting up two setups.
- Add weights in different amounts and see how that effects the distance that the balloon rocket travels.
