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Newton’s Laws of MotionActivity for Kids

Balloon Rocket DIY

Duration: 20-30 min
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $0 to $5

Learn how to make your own balloon rocket!

Visit The Full Lesson Download Instructions as PDF

Material List

1Roll of Clear Tape
1Balloon
1Straw
1Pair of Scissors
1Fishing Line

Instructions

1Find an anchor point for your fishing line and tie it on. Then measure it out to another point in the room.
2Once you have the length you want, cut the line from the spool with your scissors.
3To prepare your balloon rocket, cut the straw in half, and thread one of the halves onto your fishing line.
4Blow up the balloon (holding the opening closed, but don't tie it), and tape it at the center onto the straw on the fishing line.
5Grab the other end of the fishing line, then walk back to straighten it out.
6Finally, hold the fishing line tight with one hand and let go of the balloon with the other hand to launch it.

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How It Works

The force of the air leaving the balloon provides an equal and opposite force that makes the balloon move in the opposite direction. This is Newton’s third law of motion, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Try blowing up the balloon bigger or smaller, or making it heavier to see what happens.