Balloon Rocket

This activity is ideal for elementary school students!

This activity is a great way to introduce your student to basic physics! Newton's first law says an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an outside force, and you can see this first law in action as air resistance slows your balloon after takeoff. For an extra challenge, see some experiment variations below directions!

Materials:

• Rocket Printout (I recommend googling cartoon rockets and allowing your student to pick a design!)

• Balloon

• Tape

• Drinking straw

• String

• Scissors

• Clothespin (optional)

Directions: Pick two fixed points across the room from each other (i.e. two chairs). Tie off one end of the string to the first fixed point.

Thread the straw onto the other end of the string before tying off that end on the 2nd fixed point point. Make sure the string is taut.

Cut out your rocket printout or draw your own. You could even use a sharpie to draw one on the side of the balloon.

Blow up the balloon and secure the end with a clothespin if desired or hold it. Tape your paper rocket to the balloon.

Tape the balloon to the straw.

Release the balloon and watch your rocket take off!

EXTRA CHALLENGE: Try testing the different effects of balloon shapes, string types, straw length or straw type!

Idea by: Sarah McClelland, Little Bins for Little Hands