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Balloon Rocket

Send a balloon rocket flying in this super fun science experiment for kids of all ages! Did you know that you can demonstrate basic physics by making a rocket from a balloon?!

You only need a few simple supplies for this easy STEM activity, and it’s a great way to observe action and reaction. This hands-on activity is a lot of fun, so grab a friend and get ready for take off!

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How to Make a Balloon Rocket

• Smoothie straw (Wide opening)
• Plastic straw (Regular opening)
• Rubber band
• Tissue paper (red and orange)
• Colored cardstock
• Black marker (optional)
• Fishing line
• Bowl (or other circle to trace)

Check Out The Video Tutorial:

Instructions:, step 1: find what you need.

Step 2: Insert a straw in the balloon

Step 3: Add "flames" and fins to the balloon rocket

Step 4: Decorate the balloon (optional)

Step 5: Attach the balloon rocket to a string

Helpful Tips:

• If you use a bendy straw, cut off the bendy part before adding the straw to the string. Otherwise it will snag on the string and slow down your balloon.
• Be careful when drawing details on the balloon with permanent marker because it doesn’t really dry on the balloon. After you deflate the balloon the marker will smudge onto whatever it touches. (Which is why we say that drawing on it is optional).

How do balloon rockets work?

Newton’s 3rd law of motion says that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. As the air escapes the balloon through the straw, the rubber of the balloon contracts and the air gets pushed out backwards . This propels the balloon in the opposite direction, moving it forward .

The straw and the fishing line keep your balloon flying straight. But you can also try setting your rocket off from the ground without a string. The balloon’s path is a little unpredictable without the string, but it will generally spin in a few circles as it rises into the air.

Why is my balloon rocket spinning in circles?

It’s normal for the balloon to spin in a few circles once it gets half way deflated. Adding fins and flames to the end of your balloon will help keep it weighted down so it spins less, but you won’t be able to get rid of all spinning.

What to do if my balloon rocket bounces and gets caught on the line?

Make sure your fishing line is as tight as possible. If the line is floppy, the straw will get caught on the line as it moves across. This will cause the balloon to bounce up and down and fly more slowly.

We also found that cutting a slit and taping the ends of the guiding straw to make them smaller really helped to keep our rocket from getting caught on the line. The balloon’s tendency is to rise up as it flies. So making the ends of the guiding straw small helps prevents the balloon from pushing up on the straw and stalling the movement.

Do I need 2 different straw sizes to make this balloon rocket?

No, you can use a regular sized straw to inflate your balloon rocket instead of using a smoothie straw. However, since less air is released through the smaller straw opening, your balloon rocket will fly quite a bit slower than with the smoothie straw. On the other hand, the energy will last longer so your rocket will actually fly farther.

What kind of string is best for making a balloon rocket?

It’s best to use a smooth string like fishing line, beading thread, or nylon kite string . These cords allow the balloon rocket to fly smoothly.

If you don’t have any of those options you can also use baker’s twine, a thin yarn, or even thread. But any string with texture will cause friction and make it more difficult for your rocket to move.

If you have both kinds of string, compare the smooth fishing line to the more textured yarn. Do you notice a difference in how the balloon rocket travels?

Where is the best place to set up my balloon rocket?

We played with our balloon rocket outside, tying the fishing line around two trees. You can also tie the strings to anything stationary indoors, like table legs, chairs, doorknobs, or cupboard handles.

Wherever you set up your rocket balloon, make sure that you tie each side of the string at the same height, and give the balloon a good distance to fly, at least 10 or 15 feet apart. Make sure the line is as tight as possible – if the string is too loose the balloon won’t travel properly.

If you don’t have a good place to tie the string, you can make little handles at the ends of the string and have 2 friends hold each end tightly!

How many times can I use my balloon rocket?

You should be able to use your rocket balloon over and over again. Just remember that balloons are a bit unpredictable – so be prepared for it to pop at some point if you’re using it many times.

To re-use the balloon rocket, simply blow into the straw at the end of the balloon to inflate it again. Then re-tape it to the small straw. If you’re careful you can even use the same tape multiple times.

See scientific principles in action as you use air power to send your rocket balloon flying! You could even try different sizes and shapes of balloons and compare how well they fly. Grab a friend or two and have a race with your balloon rockets!

Here’s even more fun STEM ideas:

Balloon Car

Paper Airplane Launcher

Popsicle Stick Catapult

Our book  Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!

Where to buy:

You can purchase Low-Mess Crafts for Kids from Amazon , or wherever books are sold:

Amazon   |   Barnes and Noble   |  Books-A-Million   |  Indiebound   |   Amazon Canada

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About Debbie Chapman , the Author of this Post

I'm Debbie Chapman, founder of One Little Project and author of the book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids . I love creating fun and easy crafts and cooking up delicious recipes for my husband and 3 kids.

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May 13, 2024 at 5:36 pm

May 14, 2024 at 7:24 am

Hi Dylan! Most of the time when decorating the balloon we had a friend hold the balloon and put their finger over the straw. You can also plug the straw end with sticky tack or play dough temporarily while you’re decorating. Hope this helps!

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Balloon Rocket Science Experiment – A Balloon that Flies like a Rocket

3-2-1 Blast Off! This simple and fun science experiment teaches children about Action and Reaction. Using everyday household items, children learn how the force of air moving in one direction can propel balloon in the opposite direction, much like a rocket!

Below you’ll find a supplies list of everything you need, printable instructions, and the scientific explanation of how it demonstrates Newton’s Third Law of Motion in a fun, hands-on way. It’s so much fun, your kids will want to do it over and over with balloons of different shapes and sizes. 

JUMP TO: Instructions | Video Tutorial | How it Works | Lab Kit

Supplies Needed

• Drink Straw
• Two objects of the same height that you can tie a string to. We used two chairs

Balloon Rocket Science Lab Kit – Only $5

Use our easy Balloon Rocket Science Lab Kit to grab your students’ attention without the stress of planning!

It’s everything you need to  make science easy for teachers and fun for students  — using inexpensive materials you probably already have in your storage closet!

Balloon Rocket Science Experiment Instructions

Wondering how to create a balloon rocket? It’s easy! Simply follow these step by step instructions.

Step 1 – Position two objects of the same height (We used chairs) about 10 feet apart. Then grab your string and securely tie one end to one of the objects. 

Step 2 – Next, get your plastic drinking straw. If you are using a “bendy” straws with the flexible piece on one end, cut off the flexible part so you are left with a straight straw.

Thread the string through the straw and place two pieces of tape near the middle of the straw. P osition the two pieces of tape near the middle of the straw is important because if you place them near the ends of the straw, the straw will bend when the balloon deflates and the rocket won’t move as quickly.

Step 3 – Then tie the loose end of the string to your second object (We used a second chair across the room) and make sure the string is tight. If the string isn’t tight, move the objects farther apart until it is.

Step 4 – Blow up the balloon and hold the end so the air can’t escape and use the two pieces of tape to secure the balloon to the straw.  

Take a moment to make observations. What do you think will happen when the you let go of the end of the balloon? Write down your hypothesis (prediction) and then continue the experiment to test it out and to find out if you were correct.

Then move the straw and balloon to one end of the string. And once you are ready….

Step 5 – Let go of the balloon and watch what happens! Do you know what caused the balloon to rocket across the room? Find out the answer in the how does this experiment work section below. Then inflate the balloon again and repeat again and again.

Balloon Rocket Science Experiment Video Tutorial

How Does the Science Experiment Work?

The balloon flies across the string because of air and thrust. Thrust can be explained by Newton’s Third Law of Motion . Newton’s third law states that for every action there is an equal but opposite reaction. As the air is released out of the balloon in one direction, the force propels the balloon in the other direction. This equal but opposite force causes the balloon to fly across the string like a rocket!

I hope you enjoyed the experiment. Here are some printable instructions:

Balloon Rocket Science Experiment

• Two objects of the same height that you can tie a string to. I used chairs.

Instructions

• Position two objects of the same height (I’m using chairs) about 10 feet apart and grab a piece of string.
• Tie one end of the string to one of the objects. Make sure it is securely fashioned.
• Next, get a straight plastic drinking straw. If the straw is one of the “bendy” straws with the flexible piece, cut off the flexible part so you are left with a straight straw.
• Place two pieces of tape on the straw. Note: Be sure to position the two pieces of tape near the middle of the straw. If you put them near the ends of the straw it will bend when you blow up the balloon and the rocket won’t move as quickly.
• Thread the string through the straw
• Tie the loose end of string to the back of your second object (I’m using another chair) and make sure the string is tight. If the string isn’t tight, move the objects farther apart until it is.
• Blow up the balloon and hold the end so the air can’t escape and use the two pieces of tape to secure the balloon to the straw.
• Move the straw and balloon to one end of the string. And once you are ready…..
• Let go of the balloon and watch as it rockets across the string! Then inflate the balloon again and repeat again and again.

Reader Interactions

March 30, 2016 at 11:05 pm

you balloon rocket is so cool!

– Misk Algaysi

May 10, 2017 at 6:20 pm

The balloon wind is pushing against the regular wind which makes it fly and the rope is inside the straw which also makes it go faster.

October 28, 2018 at 10:27 pm

Cool experiment. The balloon flew like a rocket!

June 8, 2023 at 7:55 am

This is a really cool experiment! I am going to try this for my science experiment.

— Matthew Jensen

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Science project, balloon rocket experiment.

You need to send a message to home from your tree house, but it’s too windy to send a paper airplane! Fortunately, you have a taut clothesline and a supply of balloons from last week’s birthday party. How can you make a balloon rocket, and how can you make it travel as far as possible?

How does the volume of air in a balloon affect the distance it travels?

• Rubber Balloons
• Binder clip
• String or Thin Rope
• Cloth Tape Measure
• Two Posts (At least three feet tall and fifteen feet apart)
• Graph paper
• Tie the string or rope to one of the posts at the height of at least three feet. Leave the other end loose.
• Cut some straws into lengths that will fit on your balloon. One third of a straw is usually a good length.
• Inflate a balloon and seal the air inside by folding the neck over once and clamping it shut with a binder clip.
• Measure and record your balloon’s circumference by wrapping your tape measure around the balloon’s widest point. You might need your helper to lend a hand:

• Keeping the balloon’s opening shut, tape a straw to your inflated balloon. Make sure the straw and the nozzle of the balloon are parallel to each other.
• Thread the loose end of your string through the straw so that the neck of the balloon is facing towards you.
• Pull your string taut and line it up with your second post. Measure a point off the ground that’s the same height as the knot holding the other end of the string to the first post. Be sure to hold the string at this height whenever you’re conducting a balloon launching trial. Why do you think holding your end of the string at the same height is important?

• Count down to zero, and let the rocket fly! Have your helper use the tape measure to measure and record the point on the string at which the balloon stopped.
• Repeat steps 5-8 with two more balloons inflated to the same circumference as your first balloon.
• Average the distance traveled for all three trials.
• Repeat steps 5-10 with three balloons inflated to a circumference 5cm greater than your first balloons were.
• Keep conducting trials using balloons inflated to progressively bigger circumferences. You can use a table like this as a guide:

• Using a sheet of graph paper, plot your trials on a line graph. The x axis should be circumference in centimeters. The y axis should be distance travelled in feet.
• Look at your graph. What is it telling you?

 If you had a large enough difference between your smallest and largest circumferences, you should see the average distance traveled go up very quickly as the balloon’s circumference increases.

All rockets work by shoving gas out of their nozzles really rapidly. This pushes the rest of the rocket in the other direction, as predicted by Newton’s Third Law: “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.” What this means is when you push on something, it pushes back on you just as hard. You might then think “Why don’t I fly all over the place when I push on something or throw a ball?” The main reason you don’t go flying like your ball is because you weigh more than it does. Even if the ball pushes back on you with the same amount of force that you apply to it, you’re a whole lot harder to move!

The bigger balloons move farther because they can push more air. While all of your balloons pushed air out at roughly the same speed, the bigger balloons had more “fuel,” allowing them to exert force for a longer period of time.

It’s not too hard to calculate the amount of air in each of your balloons. This equation will help:

Another cool thing is that the direction of the push matters quite a bit. Try taping your balloon so that its nozzle points to the side a little instead of straight along the straw. What happens? Can you match a bigger balloon and a smaller balloon together so that they don’t go anywhere when you let them loose? Space stations use this principle to turn end over end, spin, or even move sideways. It’s the only way they can change what direction they’re pointing, because they don’t have anything else to push off of.

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Balloon Rockets: A Journey Into Science and Fun

Balloons have captivated our imagination for decades, becoming a symbol of celebration, joy, and even science. When combined with the awe-inspiring mechanics of rockets, balloons offer a wonderful hands-on experience that illustrates core scientific principles.

For families, educators, and kids at heart, balloon rockets serve as both an entertaining and educational activity. Rockets, whether they soar through the night sky on New Year’s Eve or help astronauts travel to space, operate on fundamental principles.

By exploring these principles, we can create fun, hands-on experiments like balloon rockets.

The Magic of Newton’s Third Law

Sir Isaac Newton’s laws of motion serve as the foundation for our understanding of how objects move. His third law, in particular, offers a simple yet profound explanation for the movement of rockets and balloon rockets alike.

According to NASA , Newton’s Third Law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means that the force exerted in one direction produces an equal force in the opposite direction.

In the context of our balloon rockets, when air is released from the balloon, it propels the balloon in the opposite direction, showcasing this law in action. By using everyday items like balloons, yarn, and straws, we can visualize and interact with these scientific principles.

When the balloon is released and air flows out, it creates a force that propels the balloon in the opposite direction. The setup might be simple, but the lessons it imparts about physics are invaluable.

The Role of Propulsion in Rocket Movement

Propulsion is the driving force behind rockets. It’s the push that rockets need to overcome Earth’s gravity and the resistance of our atmosphere.

According to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum , propulsion in rockets comes from the expulsion of fast-moving fluid from a nozzle. This fluid can be a mixture of ignited fuel and oxidizer or simply compressed air, as in the case of our balloon rockets.

When this fluid (or air) is expelled at high speed, it pushes the rocket forward. Balloons, while not as complex as space rockets, mirror this propulsion system. The stored air inside a balloon acts as the propellant.

When the balloon is let go, the rapid exit of the air propels the balloon in the opposite direction. This simple mechanism provides a tangible example of the forces at play in real rockets.

Crafting Your Own Balloon Rocket

Making a balloon rocket is a fun experiment that blends creativity and scientific knowledge, making it ideal for a science fair project . Follow this step-by-step guide to craft your balloon rocket, whether at home or in school.

Materials You’ll Need

Introduction: The beauty of balloon rockets lies in their simplicity. With just a few household items, you can set up your own rocket experiment.

• Balloons: These act as your rocket’s fuel tank.
• Yarn: Ideally about 6 feet long, this serves as your rocket’s flight path.
• Straw: This helps guide the balloon along the yarn.
• Tape: To secure the balloon to the straw.
• Scissors: For any necessary adjustments.
• 2 chairs: To stretch and anchor the yarn.

With these materials in hand, you’re all set to craft your rocket.

Setting Up and Launching Your Rocket

Introduction: The setup for this experiment is straightforward, allowing young scientists to be involved in every step.

• Preparation Phase: Secure one end of the yarn to a chair. Next, thread the straw onto the yarn, ensuring it moves freely. Finally, tie the other end of the yarn to the second chair.
• Rocket Assembly: Inflate the balloon without tying it. While holding the balloon’s opening to keep the air in, tape it to the straw. This setup ensures the balloon moves smoothly along the yarn when released.
• Launch: Move the balloon to one end of the yarn so it touches a chair. Let the balloon go, and watch as it zooms across the room!

This simple setup showcases the principles of propulsion and Newton’s Third Law. Kids and adults alike will be thrilled with the balloon’s rapid journey.

Extending the Fun: Rocket-Inspired Activities

If you’ve enjoyed launching balloon rockets, there are other exciting and educational rocket-based activities to explore.

DIY Rocket Launcher

Introduction: Propel rockets using a simple PVC pipe and foot pump setup.

According to the PBS Parents , you can craft a DIY rocket launcher using easy-to-find materials like PVC pipes, plastic bottles, and a foot pump. This hands-on activity allows kids to experiment with pressure and propulsion while launching their homemade rockets skyward.

Straw Rockets

A less complex alternative to balloon rockets, but equally fun.

According to Science Sparks , straw rockets are made by wrapping paper around a pencil to form a ‘rocket’ and then launching it using a straw. By blowing through the straw, the air propels the paper rocket forward. It’s a fantastic way to discuss force and aerodynamics with young learners.

Balloon Rocket Car

Add wheels to the equation for an exciting twist on the classic balloon rocket.

According to the California Science Center, you can craft a balloon rocket car using simple materials like CDs for wheels and a cardboard body. When the balloon is released, the escaping air propels the car forward, making it an excellent lesson in motion and energy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does the balloon need to be untied for the rocket to work.

When the balloon is untied, it allows the air inside to escape rapidly when released. This escaping air creates the propulsion force needed to move the balloon along the yarn.

Can I use string instead of yarn for the balloon rocket’s flight path?

Yes, you can use string, but the yarn is often smoother and can allow for a more frictionless journey for the balloon. However, any similar material that can be stretched taut will generally work.

How can I increase the speed of my balloon rocket?

The speed of the balloon rocket is influenced by the amount of air in the balloon and the smoothness of the flight path. Ensure the yarn is taut and consider using a larger balloon or increasing the amount of air for more speed.

Is it safe to use helium instead of air in the balloon rocket experiment?

While helium will make the balloon rise, it doesn’t provide the same propulsion force as blowing air into the balloon. Moreover, helium is a non-renewable resource and is best saved for other applications.

Can this experiment be done outdoors?

Absolutely! Just ensure that the yarn is secured to stationary objects and that there isn’t strong wind which might affect the balloon’s path.

How does the length of the yarn impact the balloon rocket’s travel?

A longer yarn can allow the balloon to travel further but might reduce the speed if the balloon runs out of air before reaching the end. Adjusting the length of the yarn can help in understanding distance and force dynamics.

Final Words

In conclusion, balloon rockets are more than just a fun activity. They bridge the gap between play and learning, providing a hands-on way to understand complex scientific principles.

Whether at home, in the classroom, or at a science-themed party, they’re a surefire way to inspire wonder and curiosity in young minds.

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Balloon Rockets

Grade level, 15 min - 1 hr, physical science, activity type:, engineering design challenge , data collection.

This lesson and activity is part of the Chemical Educational Foundation’s® award-winning You Be The Chemist® Activity Guides , a free resource for educators and parents who want to introduce students in grades K-8 to chemistry and science concepts in a fun, hands-on manner. Learn more at www.chemed.org

Relevant  standards ,  formulas and equations

View the full activity guide and safety guide

Rocketry has existed for hundreds of years. Although the technology has greatly improved and there are numerous methods for propelling a rocket, the simple science behind rockets has always been the same. To propel a rocket, some kind of force must push it forward. A force is the amount of push or pull on an object. The mechanical force that pushes a rocket or aircraft through the air is known as thrust . In this experiment, you’ll make a balloon rocket that is propelled by pressure. Pressure is the amount of force exerted on an area.

When you blow up the balloon, you are filling it with gas particles. The gas particles move freely within the balloon and may collide with one another, exerting pressure on the inside of the balloon. As more gas is added to the balloon, the number of gas particles in the balloon increases, as well as the number of collisions. While the force of a single gas particle collision is too small to notice, the total force created by all of the gas particle collisions within the balloon is significant.

As the number of collisions within the balloon increases, so does the pressure within the balloon. In addition, the pressure of the gas inside the balloon becomes greater than the air pressure outside of the balloon. When you release the opening of the balloon, gas quickly escapes to equalize the pressure inside with the air pressure outside of the balloon. The escaping air exerts a force on the balloon itself. The balloon pushes back in a manner described by Newton’s Third Law of Motion. That opposing force—called thrust , in this case—propels the rocket forward.

• 10 feet of string
• Permanent marker
• Cargo (paper clips, bottle caps, candy, etc.)
• Cereal boxes, construction paper, or any other material to make lightweight cargo containers
• Tape, glue, scissors, and any other materials needed for construction
• Review the information in the Safety First section of the You Be The Chemist® resource guide

Experimental Procedure

As the students perform the experiment, challenge them to identify the independent, dependent, and controlled variables, as well as whether there is a control setup for the experiment. (Hint: As the amount of gas in the balloon changes, does the distance the rocket travels change?)

• Tie one end of a string to a chair, doorknob, or other support.
• Put the other end of the string through a straw. Then pull the string tight, and tie it to another support in the room.
• Blow up the balloon, and pinch the end of the balloon to keep the air inside. Do not tie the balloon.
• Tape the balloon to the straw so that the opening of the balloon is horizontal with the ground. You may need two students for this: one to keep the air pinched inside the balloon and the other to tape the balloon to the straw.
• While holding the balloon opening closed, one student should pull the balloon all the way back to the end of the string (the starting line) so that the balloon opening is against one support. Have another student use the marker to draw a finish line near the other end of the string.
• Let go of the balloon and watch it move along the string .
• Then, have students test different methods to transport “cargo” across the string to the finish line.

Data Collection

Have students record data in their science notebooks. What happened when the opening of the balloon was released and the gas was allowed to escape? If they timed the process, how long did it take for a rocket to cross the finish line? Have students answer the questions on the activity sheet (or similar ones of your own) to guide the process.

This lesson and activity is part of the Chemical Educational Foundation’s® (CEF) award-winning You Be The Chemist® Activity Guides, a free resource for educators and parents who want to introduce students to chemistry and science concepts in a fun, hands-on manner. The guides feature nearly 1,000 pages of lesson plans, science content, and activity sheets for students in grades K – 8. Download the guides for free at www.chemed.org/ybtc/guides/ . CEF’s other programs are the You Be The Chemist Challenge® (a national academic competition for grade 5 – 8 students) and You Be The Chemist® Essential Elements (professional development workshops for educators). In 2014 CEF celebrates its 25th anniversary. Find out more at www.chemed.org .

Related Links

In this Science Friday video, learn how Raul Oaida, at 18 years-old, attached a LEGO shuttle, a video camera, and a GPS tracker to a huge helium balloon and sent them into space:

Want to learn more about spaceflight? Listen to our Q&A with astronauts Don Pettit and Jeffrey Hoffman:

Ask an Astronaut: Don Pettit and Jeff Hoffman on Spaceflight

Education standards.

This lesson applies both Dimension 1: Scientific and Engineering Practices and Dimension 2: Crosscutting Concepts from “ A Framework for K–12 Science Education ,” established as a guide for the updated National Science Education Standards. In addition, this lesson covers the following Disciplinary Core Ideas from that framework:

PS2.A: Forces and Motion PS2.C: Stability and Instability in Physical Systems PS3.C: Relationship Between Energy and Forces ETS1.A: Definiting and Delimiting an Engineering Problem (see Analysis & Conclusion) ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions (see Analysis & Conclusion) ETS1.C: Optimizing the Design Solution (see Analysis & Conclusion) ETS2.A: Interdependence of Science, Engineering, and Technology (see Analysis & Conclusion)

Formulas and Equations

Newton’s laws of motion have played a key role in humans’ understanding of the universe.

• Newton’s First Law of Motion (the Law of Inertia) states: Every object in a state of uniform motion tends to remain in that state of motion unless an external force is applied to it.
• Newton’s Second Law of Motions states: The acceleration (a) of an object as produced by a net force is directly proportional to the magnitude of the net force (F) in the same direction as the net force, and inversely proportional to the mass (m) of the object. This relationship is described by the equation: F = ma.
• Newton’s Third Law of Motion states: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
• Pressure is the amount of force exerted on an area. This relationship is described by the following equation: p = F/A.

View the original  You Be The Chemist® Lesson and Activity Guide – Balloon Rockets  and print the activity sheet.

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The Chemical Educational Foundation® is committed to enhancing science education by building greater public understanding and appreciation of chemistry and chemicals through K-8 educational programs and community partnerships. Learn more at www.chemed.org

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Water rocket construction.

Grade Levels

Grades K-4, Grades 5-8, Grades 9-12

Mathematics, Physical Science, Forces and Motion

Lesson Plans / Activities

Working in teams, students construct a simple bottle rocket from two-liter soft drink bottles and other materials. The rocket is powered by air pressure and water. Water Rocket Construction   [303KB PDF file]

This activity is part of the Rockets Educator Guide .

How to Make a Balloon Rocket

By: Author Talissa Nahass

Posted on Last updated: November 6, 2023

For homeschooling families, we understand that teaching STEM subjects can sometimes feel daunting, especially when juggling various subjects and grade levels. However, we have an exciting DIY STEM project that can help make STEM education engaging and accessible for your children. We aim to introduce students to the fascinating world of rocket propulsion while igniting their curiosity about air pressure and aerodynamics. The best part? This project incorporates math skills and reading skills, checking off many educational boxes while providing hands-on fun.

Creating balloon rockets is an engaging way to teach science concepts during homeschooling activities. So, set up your launch area, gather your materials, and let your balloon rockets take flight on this educational journey!

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Want to make the project as easy and as engaging as possible? Then you can download a free project guide we created for you! It includes all the steps, pages for recording data, a reading passage for background knowledge, a word search, and more! Just click the button below and get it now!

Project Materials

To make your balloon rocket you will need a few different materials that can be found around your house or local store.

• Thick straw (e.g., bubble tea straw)
• Small rubber bands
• Balloon variety pack (assorted shapes and sizes)
• Cardstock paper

How to Create a Balloon Rocket

To set up this experiment, establish a safe launch area with ample space for the rockets to travel without obstructions. Next, ensure you have a measuring tool or tape measure to track the distance each rocket travels accurately. Arrange a balloon variety pack so kids can easily select different shapes and sizes of balloons. This encourages creativity and variation in their experiment. They will recreate the rocket with other balloons to see how it affects their rocket.

Provide kids with the necessary materials, including balloons, thick straws, rubber bands, and cardstock paper for fins. You can also involve them in the material-gathering step as an added level of science laboratory preparation. This is good practice as they increase their science experiments at home. Adult supervision is advised to ensure safety throughout the activity, especially during the launch phase.

To build the balloon rocket, first choose a balloon from the variety pack, discussing with your child why they think it will fly the farthest. Attach the chosen balloon securely to one end of a thick straw using a rubber band, making sure to trap the air inside. Craft four cardstock paper rectangles to serve as rocket fins and tape them to the bottom of the straw, leaving enough space for the balloon to inflate.

Hold the rocket horizontally, with the straw pointing in the direction you want it to fly, and gently inflate the balloon. Try not to overinflate the balloon. Release the rocket and observe it soar forward. Measure the distance it travels using a tape measure, and encourage your child to make observations and predictions about its flight.

Record results in a provided chart, noting the shape and size of the balloon used for each launch. This helps children learn about variables and their impact on the rocket’s performance. Repeat the experiment with at least three other balloons from the variety pack to see how they compare.

Finally, work with your child to create a bar graph to visually display the results, allowing them to effectively interpret and communicate their findings.

Adapting the Project to Match Different Levels of Student Understanding

Preschool (ages 3-5).

For preschool-aged children, this balloon rocket project can be a fun introduction to basic science concepts. Simplify the process by pre-assembling the rocket, so the focus is on the fun and excitement of launching. Show them how the inflated balloon propels the rocket forward. You can also enhance their learning by discussing the colors and shapes of the balloons. Ask them questions like, “What happens when we use a different color balloon?” or “How does the rocket move when the balloon is inflated more or less?” This age group benefits from hands-on exploration and simple, clear explanations.

Early Elementary (ages 6-8)

Elementary-aged children can actively participate in building their balloon rockets. Walk them through the process step-by-step, emphasizing the importance of safety and precision. You can also type the procedure and help them practice reading skills. Encourage them to predict which balloon will make the rocket go farthest. Introduce the concept of variables in the experiment (i.e.: the type of balloon, the size of the balloon, the amount the balloon is inflated) and how they impact the rocket’s flight. Ask them questions such as, “How does the size of the balloon affect the distance the rocket travels?” or “What happens if we change the angle at which we launch the rocket?” Provide opportunities for them to record their observations and make simple graphs to visualize the results.

Upper Elementary/ Middle School (ages 9-12)

In upper elementary and middle school, students can explore the science behind the balloon rocket in more depth. Involve them in the material gathering and discuss the properties of different materials used in the project. Also, encourage them to conduct multiple trials and record data. Introduce concepts like aerodynamics and Newton’s Third Law of Motion to build on science topics. Ask this age group questions such as, “What is speed?” “How do we calculate speed?” “How does the shape of the balloon affect the rocket’s speed?” or “What forces are at play during the rocket’s launch?” Have them calculate averages and analyze their data. This age group can also create more detailed graphs and charts to present their findings.

High School (ages 13-18)

High school students can approach this project with a more in-depth understanding of the scientific principles at work behind the movement of the rocket. Encourage them to explore variables beyond balloon shape and size, such as air pressure and rocket weight. Challenge them to design and test their own rocket modifications, hypothesize outcomes, and analyze results. You can enhance their learning by discussing concepts like thrust, drag, and the physics of motion in greater detail. Ask questions like, “How can we optimize the rocket’s performance?” or “What mathematical models can we apply to predict rocket trajectory?” High school students can also explore advanced graphing techniques and statistical analysis to present their findings in a more sophisticated manner.

Explaining the Science Behind the Balloon Rocket

Let’s explore the science behind the Balloon Rocket experiment. The main concepts are rooted in the domains of aerodynamics and air resistance. When the balloons are launched horizontally, they interact with the air in their path. These interactions hinge on the balloon’s specific shape, size, and the multitude of air molecules they encounter.

The shape of the balloon is a critical factor influencing the distance traveled by the balloon. Balloons of different shapes offer varying degrees of air resistance, affecting the balloon’s ability to maintain its velocity and trajectory. In general, larger balloons encounter more resistance due to their expanded surface area, while smaller balloons move through the air more efficiently.

This experiment is a great educational tool for students to comprehend the concepts of aerodynamics, the underlying forces, and how design choices significantly influence an object’s movement through the air. Students gain valuable insights into the complex physics governing flight dynamics by closely observing and measuring the different distances covered by balloons of varying shapes and sizes.

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Vinegar and Baking Soda Rocket Science Experiment for Kids

• Kids Activities
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• Solar System
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This vinegar and baking soda rocket is an out-of-this-world fun AND educational summer activity for kids ! Preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, first grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, and 6th grade students will enjoy making the baking soda rocket . This how to make a bottle rocket  project is one of those really cool science projects your kids will remember forever! So grab a couple simple materials you have laying around your house and make these  rocket science experiments .

Baking soda and vinegar rocket

We are diving into a solar system unit so we are exploring all things space including  rockets for kids ! Preschoolers, kindergartners, grade 1, grade 2, grade 3, grade 4, grade 5, and grade 6 students will love this STEM activity for kids where they will design their own rocket, lego launch pad, and observe a baking soda and vinegar reaction. This  homemade rocket is a memorable  summer science experiment for kids of all ages. Plus this  baking soda and vinegar rocket  is a fun solar system project.  Let’s get started  with this super simple  rocket science experiment with a big WOW at the end!

Plus don’t miss our summer activities , free summer word searches , fun ice cream in a bag experiment pdf , free ice cream math worksheets, edible ice cream play doh , silly watermelon slime ,

Rocket experiment

All you need to make this really cool,  summer fun idea are a few simple materials you probably already have on hand:

• 2 liter soda bottle that is both empty and rinced
• decorations for rocket – ideas may include construction paper, paint, sharpies, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, circle stickers, bingo markers, etc
• buiding toys to build the launch pad such as Lego bricks, tinker toys, blocks, Duplo, etc)
• 1-2 cups vinegar
• paper towel
• 1-2 Tablespoons Baking Soda
• wine cork or similar to quickly cover the opening of soda bottle

Rocket Science experiment

The first part of this  rocket project for kids  is to decorate your own rocket. Kids will love this artistic part of this STEAM Project for kids! They can use construction paper to give it a quick color boost, paint, sharpies, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, circle stickers, bingo markers, etc. Let their imaginations run wild as they decide how they want their rocket to look. I suggest showing them books, NASA pictures, and videos so they have an idea of what rockets can look like and to give them a little more background for this educational  space activity for kids .

how to make a rocket for a science project

Now it’s time to build a launch pad. This is the engineering part of this STEAM challenge for kids! Children can use duplo blocks, lego, lincoln logs, etc. They just need a way to hold the bottle rocket upside down steadily for it to launch.

Rocket Science Project

Next up is preparing the rocket fuel – the science part of the STEAM challenge. You will fuel up the rocket with a very simple solution of 1 – 2 cups of vinegar in the bottle. When the baking soda and vinegar mix they will form a chemical recation that will result in extra carbon dioxide being produced which will push out the cork and force the bottle to go up into the air.

Now take a piece of paper towel and cut it to about 4 inches square. Place about HEAPING tablespoon of baking soda in the centre of the paper towel. Fold up the paper towel so the baking soda is wrapped up inside and it fits snugly inside the mouth of the bottle. Insert a wine cork into the mouth of the pop bottle, make sure it is in there tightly.

Rocket experiment preschool

Now take it outside with open space – Our rockets hit anywhere from 30 to 50 feet in height.

Baking soda rocket

You need to move quickly for this next part. Flip the bottle over, and QUICKLY place it in the launchpad!  Hurry back as the countdown begins as soon as the baking soda and vinegar touch.

Easy rocket experiment

With this fun summer science project you will learn about

• Engineering, measurements (math) as you
• physics to create a base that is functional, strong and stable. Then we learned about physics and how when you trap that gas from the chemical reaction pressure builds up and when finally released it has enough force to cause thrust, therefore launching our rocket “into the clouds!”
• Chemical reactions with our all time favorite reaction: baking soda and vinegar (base and acid). We learned about how this particular chemical reaction has one important product: Carbon Dioxide Gas.
• Clean Up After you are done setting off your rockets, make sure you rinse everything with lots of water so it doesn’t damage anything. Including all your Lego or Tinker Toys (or whatever you used to engineer your base), plus the area where you set off your reaction.

Vinegar and baking soda rocket

Safety Note: Make sure there is always adult supervision. I highly an adult launch the rocket while younger children cheer for this project from a distance. Remember there is vinegar in the bottle and when it launches the vinegar will spray. So arm your rocket and place it immediately into the launchpad and move away quickly!

Solar System Activities for Kids

Looking for more fun, hands on science activities to teach kids about astronomy or to round out your solar system for kids unit. You will love these hands on solar system activities and lessons:

• The Sun Activities for Kindergarten   – learn about the sun and how the planets orbit around it including a fun planets game for kids!
• Moon Activities for Kids & Astronauts Too  – make oreo moon phases, DIY telescope, learn about the astronauts who landed on the moon, and more!
• Inner Planets for Kids (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars) –  Use our free planet worksheets and fun hands-on activities like Mercury craters, Venus’ melting rocks, layers of the earth, and Erupting Mars Volcano
• Outer Planets for Kids (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune)  – combination of hands-on solar system projects and solar system printables; gaseous Jupiter, Saturn Rocket, plus cloudy Uranus and Neptune.
• Pluto, Asteroid Belt, Comets, and Stars for Kids – make a FUN constellation projector, cold Pluto ice cream project, and grape constellation project
• Yarn Solar System Project – fun, unique, and easy solar system model that is cheap and so pretty!
• Paint Stick Solar System Project – easy-to-make solar system model for kids that doubles as an activity for learning the names and order of the planets
• Pipe Cleaner Constellations – fun hands on pipe cleaner constellations activity for kids
• Simple Galaxy Science Experiments
• Looking for more fun, engaging, creative, and memorable moon projects for kids? You will love this 50 Moon Activities for Kids & Crafts collection with the best ideas from the whole internet!
• TONS of really cool Solar System Project Ideas for kids of all ages

Free Solar System Printables

Plus, don’t forget to add these free solar system worksheets and printables to your lesson plan:

• HUGE pack of FREE Solar System Worksheets   for elementary age kids
• Planet worksheets for kindergarten with solar system themed math and literacy activities for preschoolers, kindergartners, and grade 1 students
• Simple Astronaut Coloring Pages
• Space Worksheets Preschool
• Free Constellation Worksheets
• Solar System Coloring Pages to read, learn, and color the solar system
• Printable Free Constellations Printable pdf for children to learn about stars and the patterns they make in the night sky
• Cootie Catcher Constellation Activities for Kids
• Free Constellation Cards
• Moon Phases Kindergarten Worksheets – HUGE pack!
• Planets Solar System for Kids pdf Book for students to learn about all the planets in our solar system
• Moon Phases Printable Mini Book for kids to learn about the phases of the moon

Beth Gorden

Beth Gorden is the creative multi-tasking creator of 123 Homeschool 4 Me. As a busy homeschooling mother of six, she strives to create hands-on learning activities and worksheets that kids will love to make learning FUN! She has created over 1 million pages of printables to help teach kids ABCs, science, English grammar, history, math, and so much more! Beth is also the creator of 2 additional sites with even more educational activities and FREE printables – www.kindergartenworksheetsandgames.com and www.preschoolplayandlearn.com. Beth studied at the University of Northwestern where she got a double major to make her effective at teaching children while making education FUN!

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--> Gilla: Dela: At least 10 m (33 ft) of string, fine enough to fit inside a drinking straw 1 drinking straw Short explanation Long explanation. What happens if you use a balloon with a different shape? What happens if you blow more air into the balloon? What happens if you increase the inclination of the string? Gilla: Dela: Straw rocket launcher Plastic bag parachute Straw propeller Screaming dry ice Dry ice in a balloon Special: Dry ice color change Dry ice smoking soap bubble snake Dry ice giant crystal ball bubble Dry ice in water Rainbow milk Gummy bear osmosis Floating ping pong ball Rotating Earth Special: Colored fire Special: Fire bubbles Water cycle in a jar Egg drop challenge Taking the pulse Orange candle Glass bottle xylophone Warped spacetime Homemade rainbow Water implosion Warm and cold plates Plastic bag kite Tamed lightning Yeast and a balloon Forever boiling bottle Moon on a pen Moon in a box Inexhaustible bottle Crystal egg geode Magic ice cut Leaf pigments chromatography Heavy smoke Popsicle stick bridge Micrometeorites Special: Fire tornado Special: Whoosh bottle Dancing water marbles Brownian motion Flying static ring Water thermometer String telephone Special: Dust explosion Disappearing styrofoam Special: Burning money Special: Burning towel Salt water purifier Fish dissection Hovering soap bubble Homemade sailboat Water mass meeting Plastic bag and pencils Water sucking bottle Water sucking glass Mentos and coke Aristotle's illusion Spinning spiral snake Imploding soda can Carbon dioxide extuingisher Dental impression Impact craters Rolling static soda can Static paper ghost Color changing flower Upside down glass Shrinking chip bag Solar system model Strawberry DNA Electric motor Flashy electric motor Bouncing soap bubbles Toilet paper roll maraca Cloud in a bottle 1 Cloud in a bottle 2 Balloon rocket Water whistle Homemade yogurt Special: Screaming gummy bear Homemade compass Trash airplane Wind-up spinner toy Tea bag rocket Balancing soda can Lung volume test Fireproof balloon Baking powder popper Expanding space Wooden cutlery Levitating match Human reflexes Electromagnet Soil layers Straw potato Traveling flame Water bowls Straw duck call Solar eclipse Silo of salt Balloon skewer Newspaper tower Microwave light bulb Heavy paper Rubber chicken bone Homemade marble run Drops on a coin Cartesian diver Content of website. SCIENCE 4 FUN How to Make a Balloon Rocket Precaution:  Always wear safety goggles and hand gloves when dealing with chemicals. Also, take permission from your parents for the experiment, or involve them. You Will Need 10 to 15 feet of string 1 Drinking Straw How to Make Bring two chairs and place them 10 feet apart. Tie one end of the string with one of the two chairs. Pass another end of the string through the straw. Then, tie it with the second chair tightly, so that string tied between two chairs become flat. Blow up the balloon. Then, pinch its mouth with your hand, so that no air escapes from it. Tape the balloon with a straw while holding the mouth of balloon closed (ask your friend to help you). Just leave the mouth of the balloon, when you want your rocket to slide over the string. The air from the mouth of balloon rushes out. Watch your rocket! How it Works? Use two same size balloons in place of one. Tape both balloons with straw in opposite direction and see what happens! You Will Also Like Straw Rocket Activity & Engineering Challenge Sharing is caring! Newton’s Three Laws of Motion & Straw Rockets In this straw rockets activity, your kids will build straw rockets and then use them to demonstrate Newton’s Three Laws of Motion. We have provided a straw rocket template, along with instructions, explanations, and activity pages to record “lab results.” Allow time to let your children take this straw rocket activity further and explore some of their own ideas and rocket designs. NASA has a great history of rockets that makes a nice addition to this study . Straw Rocket Activity & The Three Laws of Motion Forces are all around us. We live with gravitational force all the time. There are five forces. Three of them–gravitational, magnetic, and electrical —are the forces we can easily observe. Two other forces exist within the nucleus of an atom. These are nuclear forces and weak interaction forces. Most people remember Sir Isaac Newton as the man who first explained gravity. Newton, also, gave us his three laws of motion. Newton’s first law of motion states that objects at rest tend to stay at rest, and objects in motion tend to stay in motion at the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon my an outside force . This is sometimes referred to as the Law of Inertia. Inertia  is an object’s resistance to change in its state of motion whether at rest or moving. Objects retain their inertia unless acted on by a force. Force can be applied in many ways. Newton’s Second Law of Motion states the greater the mass of an object, the more force it will take to accelerate the object . Newton’s Third Law of Motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction . Try this simple experiment to test Newton’s first law of motion. It will help you and your students get a good idea of what the Law of Inertia is all about and how applied force, frictional force, and the force of gravity affect objects. Demonstrating Newton’s First Law of Motion with a Straw Rocket Building the Straw Rocket DOWNLOAD THE ROCKET TEMPLATE AND OTHER PRINTABLES FOR THIS LESSON–SEE BELOW. Straw Rocket Activity for Kids `1 Straw rocket template Download your copy by requesting it below. 1 Wide straw 1 Narrow straw 2-4 Paper clips The dollar store has medium-sized ones that work perfectly! Tape and/or glue Tape measure, yard stick, or meter stick Instructions Let’s Get Launching Our Straw Rockets! The distance traveled with each launch is going to vary depending on how much force is used when breathing out to launch the rocket. The angle of the rocket at launch will affect how far it travels. Lastly, the mass of the rocket will affect the distance traveled. The Center of Mass & Your Straw Rocket Why did we add the paper clip to the nose cone of the straw rocket? So, if you were to balance the rocket nose cone point on your finger, that would be the center of mass. By adding the weight of the paper clip, we are creating that center of mass. The center of mass adds stability to the rocket. This is why the rocket flies better when we have the paper clip on the nose cone. Dependent and Independent Variables If your child is not familiar with dependent and independent variables, let’s review: An independent variable is the variable that is changed in an experiment. In this part of our activity, the angle of launch, the weight on the body of the rocket, and the amount of air pressure or velocity  is what we are going to change. The dependent variable is what we are going to measure. In all three parts of this experiment, the distance the rocket travels is our dependent variable. Let’s Test it Out Let’s test out the three laws of motion, as best we can. We will be testing velocity, mass, and angle of the rocket. While it’s difficult in our set-up to launch the rocket at the exact angle and with the exact air pressure (breath forces through the straw), this experiment will provide some understanding into the three laws of motion. Three Laws of Motion Experiment Procedures PLEASE NOTE: You can download this entire lesson write-up, worksheets, templates, and student worksheets by entering your email below. To download this lesson and all of the worksheets, please enter your email address below. You will be subscribed to our newsletter, where we share resources such as this. You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking the Unsubscribe link in our emails. A measuring tape A straw rocket The instruction sheets The lab worksheets Paper clips Optional: masking tape to mark a spot on the floor to always stand so distance can be measured with a consistent starting point. Fill in the First Law of Motion on the Lab Worksheet. Place a piece of masking tape on the floor to mark a place to stand at each launch. Practice launching the rocket ensure there are no air leaks on the sides and that the launcher (straws) are working properly. Launch the rocket straight ahead without any upwards angle. Then, measure the distance it traveled. Record the distance on the lab sheet. Angle the straw up slightly (about 45 degrees). Launch the rocket and measure the distance it traveled. Angle the straw up past the previous launch angle. Launch the rocket and measure the distance it traveled. There is an extra space on the recording sheet if you do another test. Fill in the What Happened? Section on the Lab Worksheet. (Which traveled farthest? Which traveled the shortest distance? What do you conclude?) What Happened? As we mentioned above, Newton’s First Law of Motion states that objects at rest tend to stay at rest, and objects in motion tend to stay in motion at the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an outside force . The rocket stays on its launcher and at rest until a force (your child blowing on the launcher) acts upon it. The rocket then moves off of the launcher and flies until the friction of the air and the gravitational force acts upon it and sends the straw rocket to the ground. Newton’s Second Law of Motion and the Straw Rocket Activity Newton’s Second Law of Motion states that the greater the mass of an object, the more force it will take to accelerate the object. Follow the instructions on the What to Do pages for testing angle, mass, and velocity–or testing the Three Laws of Motion. When we add the paper clips, one at a time, we have to breathe out with greater force to launch the rocket the same distance each time. Questions to Ask After the Second Test When mass (weight) was added to the rocket, did it travel a greater or shorter distance? Why do you think that is? What forces were acting on the rocket both when you launched it and when it was traveling through the air? Gravity, air pressure from blowing on the launcher, and air resistance as it traveled through the air. To review, what was the independent variable (the variable we changed)? The weight of the rocket. What was the dependent variable (what we measured)? The distance traveled. How was The Second Las of Motion demonstrated in this part of the experiment? Third Law of Motion and the Straw Rocket Activity Newton’s Third Law of Motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In this activity when we blow into the straw, the air pressure inside the straw increases (that is the action) and this causes the rocket to launch through the air (which is the reaction.) Follow the instructions on the What to Do pages for testing the Third Law of Motion. When we apply more air pressure (velocity) we have to breathe out with greater force to launch the rocket the same distance each time. Questions to Ask After the Third Test When greater velocity was added to the rocket, did it travel a greater or shorter distance? Why do you think that is? I hold a master’s degree in child development and early education and am working on a post-baccalaureate in biology. I spent 15 years working for a biotechnology company developing IT systems in DNA testing laboratories across the US. I taught K4 in a private school, homeschooled my children, and have taught on the mission field in southern Asia. For 4 years, I served on our state’s FIRST Lego League tournament Board and served as the Judging Director.  I own thehomeschoolscientist and also write a regular science column for Homeschooling Today Magazine. You’ll also find my writings on the CTCMath blog. Through this site, I have authored over 50 math and science resources. Science Project Ideas Water Bottle Rocket You need to get the Physics of air and water pressure right if you want this experiment to be a success. More explanation on that, later. First, let us get the facts right. A water bottle rocket is a type of model rocket that uses water as the reaction mass. The water is forced out by compressed or pressurized air. They can be used in science Olympiads. The construction is quite easy and children can do this in the lab. How to Build a Water Bottle Rocket Objective/purpose. Making your own water bottle rocket. The water powered bottle rocket flies on pumping in air. Empty plastic bottle (a 2 liter soda pop bottle would be fine) Piece of cardboard made into a cone and 4 fins Pump with a needle adaptor Step By Step Instructions Pass the needle adaptor through the cork in such a way that it goes all the way through. You might have to trim the cork for this. Attach the cone to the base of the bottle and the fins to the sides. Make the bottle a quarter full with water and insert the cork in tightly to close it. For launching, take the bottle outdoors and connect the pump to the needle adaptor. The bottle should be made to stand inverted on its fins. Pump air into the bottle and watch the rocket take off with force. Don’t stand too close to the rocket as water would be squirted out in all possible directions. The conclusion or result would be that the water bottle rocket could fly. Prepare a neat data sheet with the measurements, calculations, if any and present the lab report if you do the simple activity in school as a lab assignment. You can note the trajectory of the system for a vertical launch and launch at an angle in the report. A proper introduction, theory, design method, math and sketch are indispensable for the technical report. Water Bottle Rocket Designs The various parts of a rocket, especially the nose cone, nozzle and fins, need careful designing for aerodynamical grace. You will get more ideas from the below diagrams. Water Bottle Rocket Fins The fins should be firm and not floppy. Cardboard and Styrofoam board are good materials. Duct tape can secure them firmly to the rocket body. The best designs of rockets that fly long distances and have greater hang times (the time they hang in the air) are those which have long and narrow fins. They give direction and guidance to your craft. For stability and security, the minimum number should be 3. Here are some fin design plans. Nose Cone Designs It is important to maintain an optimum weight. Larger rockets or those with a large volume should be built lighter whereas smaller lighter ones should be given some extra weight in order to fly higher. To increase stability, you can add more mass near the nose cone of the rocket so that the center of mass is shifted towards the nose cone end. The center of pressure must be located below the center of gravity for stability. To calculate the height attained by your homemade rocket, attach a long length of sewing thread to the tail of the rocket. The thread should be laid flat on the ground so that the rocket takes it along as it gains altitude. Mark the thread just before it starts descending and measure the height. Have a good recovery system in place. It would be best to have large wings or fins that are close to the center of gravity. It allows the rocket to glide to the earth avoiding severe damage to its parts. How Does It Work? The experiment is based on Newton’s 3 rd law that states every action has an equal and opposite reaction. When air is pumped inside the bottle air pressure builds up and that increases the water pressure forcing it to come out downwards. If this force is termed as action, then the water should exert an equal and opposite reaction in the upward direction. It is this reaction that forces the water bottle rocket up. Note that the weight of the rocket constantly changes during flight. It falls back to the earth due to gravity. The law of conservation of the momentum holds as the upward momentum of the rocket is equal but opposite of the momentum of the escaping water. Equation for Water Bottle Rocket Below is an equation that connects all the variables and constants of the system. m du/dt = F thrust – F drag – mg m is the instantaneous mass of the rocket (kg) u is the upward velocity (m/s) F thrust is the thrust due to the expelled water (N) F drag is the drag force of the surrounding air (N) g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s 2 ) t is the time (s) The rockets provide pure education and entertainment at a small cost. They have been in vogue for many years to teach the principles of aeronautics. Kids interested in pursuing engineering would love building this project. You are free to investigate further, do research and gather background information on the DIY mechanism. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Science Fun Pop Rocket Chemical Reaction Science Experiment Learn how to make a pop rocket in this quick, super fun, and easy chemical reaction science experiment. This is a new spin on the traditional Alka-Seltzer film canister pop rocket experiment. Since the old film canisters are getting harder to come by, we will use a Mini M&Ms tube to perform this chemical reaction science experiment.  Empty Mini M&M’s tube. These are readily available at grocery and convenience stores and come in a variety of cool colors.  Alka-Seltzer tablets Instructions: Find an area outside that is easy to clean up and can get a little messy. Look up and make sure there is nothing that can get hit and broken above where you plan to launch your pop rocket.  Use the scissors to cut the little plastic tab that acts as a hinge for the tube lid. Break an Alka-Seltzer tab in half and put it in the tube. Fill the tube about 3/4 of the way full with water. Quickly snap on the lid and set your pop rocket on the ground upside down (on its lid).  Step back a few feet. Watch and wait for the chemical reaction to cause your pop rocket to launch into the air.  EXPLORE AWESOME SCIENCE EXPERIMENT VIDEOS! How it Works: The water causes a chemical reaction to occur when the dry ingredients in the Alka-Selzer tablet, citric acid and sodium bicarbonate, dissolve and create carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide builds up pressure until it causes the lid to “pop” off and launch the pop rocket into the air.  Make This A Science Project: Test different amounts of Alka-Seltzer tablet and observe and record any noticeable differences. Try different liquids. Try different containers. Test different amounts of water. Add fins to your tube to see if this cause the pop rocket to travel at a different speed or distance.  EXPLORE TONS OF FUN AND EASY SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS! SUBSCRIBE AND NEVER MISS A NEW SCIENCE FUN VIDEO! previous experiment Next experiment. Skip to primary navigation Skip to main content Skip to primary sidebar FREE Experiments Kitchen Science Climate Change Egg Experiments Fairy Tale Science Edible Science Human Health Inspirational Women Forces and Motion Science Fair Projects STEM Challenges Science Sparks Books Contact Science Sparks Science Resources for Home and School How to Make a Baking Soda Rocket January 27, 2022 By Emma Vanstone 6 Comments Here at Science Sparks, we love anything space related, especially rockets! This baking soda rocket is one of our favourites, as it’s super easy to set up and can be launched over and over again! I also have a water powered bottle rocket , film canister rocket and squeezy bottle rocket you can try too! How to make a baking soda rocket To make a baking soda rocket, you will need. Small 500ml bottle – empty Cork which fits tightly inside the neck of the bottle Half a piece of kitchen roll ( paper towel ) One tablespoon baking soda – bicarbonate of soda Vinegar or lemon juice Instructions Use the tape to attach three straws to the side of the bottle, so it stands up upside down. Pour about 2 cm of vinegar into the bottle. Wrap the baking soda in the kitchen roll to make a little parcel. Choose a launch area outside. It needs to be a hard surface. When you’re ready to launch, drop the baking soda parcel into the bottle, quickly add the cork, put the rocket down and stand back! Warning – make sure you have a clear, empty space and keep observers well back from the launch site as the rocket shoots up very quickly. Baking Soda Rocket Top Tips The cork needs to be tight, so the gas cannot escape. To slow down the reaction, wrap the baking soda ( bicarbonate of soda ) in half a sheet of kitchen roll before adding it to the bottle. This slows down the reaction and gives you time to put the cork in and stand the rocket up. Why does a baking soda rocket work? Baking soda and vinegar react to neutralise each other, which releases carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide gas builds up inside the plastic bottle. When the pressure of the gas in the bottle is high enough, the cork is forced out of the bottle. The downward force of the cork being forced out of the bottle creates an upward thrust force which makes the bottle shoot up into the air. This is an example of Newton’s Third Law. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Warning – Take care when setting this up, and wear eye protection as the bottle can shoot up very quickly! Download my Baking Soda Rocket instructions here. Baking Soda Rocket Extension Tasks Different combinations of vinegar and baking soda. Try experimenting with different amounts of vinegar and baking soda to find the perfect combination. Remember, you don’t want the reaction to happen too quickly, but enough gas needs to be produced to force the cork out of the bottle! Lemon juice as rocket fuel Try lemon or lime juice instead of vinegar. Investigate whether lemon/lime juice is as effective as vinegar. More Space Science Experiments for Kids Discover how craters are formed using marbles, flour and hot chocolate powder. Or why not set up your very own space camp ? If you’re looking for EVEN more space science ideas, you can find SEVENTY exciting space-themed experiments in my book This IS Rocket Science ! Last Updated on April 9, 2024 by Emma Vanstone Safety Notice Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely. Reader Interactions October 09, 2020 at 11:29 am Tried this today with my children at nursery. It went so well we had to do it 3 times. They loved it and was a great way to celebrate space week! October 12, 2020 at 11:30 am That’s brilliant to know, thank you! April 03, 2024 at 11:28 pm This is a great project for a school science fair, I did this with my 2 friends and it went great! we used lemon juice instead of vinegar because my friend was very allergic to strong acidic smells. this was a good project ! highly recommended. July 23, 2021 at 9:42 pm What is ‘kitchen roll’? July 24, 2021 at 7:38 pm Sorry, it’s maybe known to you as kitchen towel? Basically a disposable roll of thick tissue used in the kitchen! March 15, 2022 at 5:19 pm Daughter loved these experiments! Great way to pass March Break. Playing and learning…. 🙂 Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * FactChecking Vice President Kamala Harris By Eugene Kiely Posted on July 23, 2024 | Clarification on July 25, 2024 In about 48 hours, Vice President Kamala Harris went from No. 2 on the Democratic presidential ticket to the presumptive presidential nominee, after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed her. Here, we fact-check some of Harris’ recent speeches — before and after Biden dropped out: Harris repeated the claim that former President Donald Trump “intends to cut Social Security and Medicare,” even though he did not attempt to cut either retirement program when he was president, and he has said that he will not cut them in a second term. She referred to Project 2025 — a conservative plan for deeply cutting and overhauling the federal government — as Trump’s “extreme Project 2025 agenda.” Trump has disavowed the project, which he described as “seriously extreme.” The vice president repeated one of her favorite talking points when she claimed “Donald Trump openly vowed, if reelected, that he will be a dictator on Day 1.” He said he was joking when he said he wouldn’t be a dictator “except for Day 1.” Harris left the misleading impression that Trump was to blame for the loss of “tens of thousands” of manufacturing jobs. The U.S. added more than 400,000 manufacturing jobs under Trump — until the economic effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic reversed all those job gains. A former U.S. senator from California who unsuccessfully ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, Harris seemingly overnight became the Democratic Party’s last chance to stop Trump from regaining the White House. Biden, who never recovered from a disastrous debate performance in late June, announced on July 21 that he would not seek reelection, saying it was in the “best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President.” Shortly after, Biden gave Harris his “full support and endorsement” for president. The party quickly coalesced around Harris, who announced at a campaign event in Milwaukee on July 23: “I’m told as of this morning that we have earned the support of enough delegates to secure the Democratic nomination.” Harris needs 1,968 delegates to win the nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month, and the Associated Press reported that she has the support of more than 3,000 delegates. Project 2025, Social Security and Medicare Since Biden dropped out and endorsed her, Harris has delivered two speeches and both times she referred to Project 2025 — a conservative plan for remaking the federal government — as Trump’s plan, even though the former president has disavowed it. And in both speeches, she cited Project 2025 as evidence that Trump wants to cut Social Security and Medicare, even though the former president has offered no plans to do so. Harris, Wilmington, Delaware , July 22: He and his extreme Project 2025 will weaken the middle class and bring us backward — please do note that — back to the failed trickle-down policies that gave huge tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations and made working families pay the cost; back to policies that put Social Security and Medicare on the chopping block; back to policies that treat health care as only a privilege for the wealthy, instead of what we all know it should be, which is a right for every American. Harris, Milwaukee , July 23: But Donald Trump wants to take our country backward. He and his extreme Project 2025 agenda will weaken the middle class. Like, we know we got to take this seriously. And can you believe they put that thing in writing? Read it. It’s 900 pages. But here’s the thing. When you read it, you will see Donald Trump intends to cut Social Security and Medicare. As we have said before , Trump says he has no plans to cut Social Security or Medicare. In his four years as president, Trump did not propose cutting Social Security’s retirement benefits, and his budgets included bipartisan proposals to reduce the growth of Medicare without cutting benefits. (For more, see our February 2020 article “ Competing Claims on Trump’s Budget and Seniors ,” which details how Trump as president proposed cuts to the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs, but not to retirement benefits.) After leaving office, Trump has pledged not to cut Social Security, most recently on July 20 in his first joint campaign appearance with his running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio. “We will not cut one penny from Social Security and Medicare,” Trump said in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In January 2023, when House Republicans were discussing ways to cut government spending, Trump  said  in a video: “Under no circumstances should Republicans vote to cut a single penny from Medicare or Social Security to help pay for Joe Biden’s reckless spending spree.” As for Project 2025, Trump described it at his Michigan rally as “seriously extreme.” He added, “I don’t know anything about it. I don’t want to know anything about it.” Project 2025 lays out “four goals and principles” for Medicare “reform,” but there is nothing in the 900-plus page document that calls for cutting Social Security, which the authors of the project call a “ myth .” Harris and the Democrats link the project and its agenda to Trump because, as CNN has reported , there are more than 100 people involved in the project who have worked in the Trump administration. Prominent figures such as Mark Meadows , who was Trump’s chief of staff, and Stephen Miller , a top aide who was involved in setting major immigration policy, are associated with conservative groups that advised the project. Project 2025, which mentions Trump hundreds of times, includes concepts that Trump supports, including — as Harris alluded to — cutting business taxes and rewriting the nation’s health care laws. But it also proposes things that Trump did not do when he was president, such as setting just two individual tax brackets of 15% and 30% (down from seven) and eliminating or transforming entire government agencies. There is no telling what parts of Project 2025 Trump would implement, if elected. But Project 2025 is not his “agenda” or “plan,” as Harris said. Trump’s Dictator Remarks In recent speeches this month, including in Philadelphia on July 13 , Harris repeated a popular talking point that “Donald Trump openly vowed, if reelected, that he will be a dictator on Day 1.” Harris was referring to a comment that Trump made at a Fox News town hall in December. At the event, Sean Hannity gave Trump the chance to respond to critics who warned that Trump would be a dictator if elected to a second term. “Under no circumstances, you are promising America tonight, you would never abuse power as retribution against anybody,” Hannity said . Trump responded, “Except for Day 1.” Trump went on to say, “We’re closing the border. And we’re drilling, drilling, drilling. After that, I’m not a dictator.” Trump later claimed he was joking with Hannity. In a Feb. 4 interview with Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo, Trump said: “It was with Sean Hannity, and we were having fun, and I said, ‘I’m going to be a dictator,’ because he asked me, ‘Are you really going to be a dictator?’ I said, ‘Absolutely, I’m going to be a dictator for one day.’ I didn’t say from Day 1.” Trump repeated his intention to close the border and drill for oil. “That’s all. And then after that, I’m not going to be a dictator,” Trump told Bartiromo, claiming his “dictator” comment was “said in jest.” Manufacturing Jobs In a July 18 speech in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Harris left the misleading impression that Trump was to blame for the loss of “tens of thousands” of manufacturing jobs. “So, Donald Trump tries to claim he brought back American manufacturing,” Harris said. “The fact is, under Donald Trump, America lost tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs.” The fact is, those jobs were lost during the global COVID-19 pandemic. As of February 2020, the U.S. had added 414,000 manufacturing jobs under Trump, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But then the economic effects of the pandemic took hold. In April 2020 alone, the U.S. lost 1.3 million manufacturing jobs. Most of those jobs came back. But at the end of Trump’s four years, the U.S. had lost 178,000 manufacturing jobs since January 2017, when he took office. Under Biden, the rest of the manufacturing jobs returned and then some. Since January 2021, the U.S. has added  762,000 manufacturing jobs . Clarification, July 25: We have updated this story to clarify that while Trump did not propose cuts to Social Security’s retirement benefits as president, he did propose cutting the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs. Editor’s note: FactCheck.org does not accept advertising. We rely on grants and individual donations from people like you. Please consider a donation. Credit card donations may be made through  our “Donate” page . If you prefer to give by check, send to: FactCheck.org, Annenberg Public Policy Center, 202 S. 36th St., Philadelphia, PA 19104.  127 IMAGES How to Make a Rocket for Kids: 8 Easy DIY Ideas How To Make Rockets Fly Rocket Science Activities Experiments you can make fly Easy Space Science Experiments for Kids 🎈 Balloon Rocket Experiment for Kids VIDEO Unique rocket experiment #experiment #rocketry rocket 🚀 #experiment #science #smartphone #rocket #15august #indianarmy #trending Mini Rocket😱🚀 #youtubeshorts #shorts #viral Rocket experiment #experiment #rocket #crazyxyz #amazingfacts #fact #amazingfact #science Making rocket propellants💥🚀 30 Kg rocket lounch 🔥💯|| #experiment #rocket #science #crazyxyz #mrindianhackershorts COMMENTS 5 Easy Rockets Kids Can Make Mini Bottle Rocket. My mini bottle rockets are my absolute favourite DIY rockets! You need a 500ml bottle, straws or lolly sticks, a cork and some power for the rocket. This could be Alka Seltzer and water, an effervescent vitamin tablet or even baking soda and vinegar. Children can experiment to find the best combination of baking soda and ... How to Make a Balloon Rocket: A Fun STEM Experiment! Step 3: Add "flames" and fins to the balloon rocket. Cut pieces of red and orange tissue paper to be about 6 inches long and 2 to 3 inches wide. Then cut strips about 3/8 inch wide down one side, creating a fringe. Cut a rectangle from cardstock about 8.5 inches long and 3.5 inches wide. Fold the paper in half. Balloon Rocket Science Experiment Wondering how to create a balloon rocket? It's easy! Simply follow these step by step instructions. Step 1 - Position two objects of the same height (We used chairs) about 10 feet apart. Then grab your string and securely tie one end to one of the objects. Step 2 - Next, get your plastic drinking straw. How to make a Bottle Rocket Decorate the bottle with the cone and fins. Fill the bottle one-quarter full of water and push the cork in tightly. Take the bottle outside and connect the pump to the needle adaptor. Ours wouldn't stand up on the fins so we rested it on a box, but if you make some strong fins it should stand up by itself. Pump air into the bottle, making ... Launching Homemade Baking Soda Rockets After evenly wrapping the paper on the canister, secure it with some tape. You can add additional flat decorations, like stickers or drawings. Make sure it is still easy to put the lid on. Place 1 teaspoon (tsp.) of baking soda onto the wax paper or bowl. Add 1/8 tsp. of water to the baking soda and mix it in well. How to Make a Film Canister Rocket Along with erupting volcanoes, magic milk, and a lava lamp, film canister rockets are a must do science experiment for kids of all ages. they are also perfect for learning about Newton's Laws of Motion.. Why make a film canister rocket? Film canister rockets are perfect for demonstrating Newton's Laws of Motion.First the rocket lifts off because it is acted upon by an external force ... Balloon Rocket Experiment Move the straw to one end of the string. Blow the balloon up fully. Pinching its opening without tying it, tape it horizontally to the straw ensuring that the opening faces the support that is closest to the balloon. Let go of the pinched end and watch the balloon propel itself forward from one end of the string to another. Balloon Rocket Experiment Keeping the balloon's opening shut, tape a straw to your inflated balloon. Make sure the straw and the nozzle of the balloon are parallel to each other. Thread the loose end of your string through the straw so that the neck of the balloon is facing towards you. Pull your string taut and line it up with your second post. Balloon Rockets: A Journey Into Science and Fun Materials You'll Need. Introduction: The beauty of balloon rockets lies in their simplicity. With just a few household items, you can set up your own rocket experiment. Balloons: These act as your rocket's fuel tank. Yarn: Ideally about 6 feet long, this serves as your rocket's flight path. Straw: This helps guide the balloon along the yarn. Balloon Rockets To propel a rocket, some kind of force must push it forward. A force is the amount of push or pull on an object. The mechanical force that pushes a rocket or aircraft through the air is known as thrust. In this experiment, you'll make a balloon rocket that is propelled by pressure. Pressure is the amount of force exerted on an area. Rocket Science And Space Experiments Easy rocket science experiments you can do at home! Click on the experiment image or the view experiment link below for each experiment on this page to see the materials needed and procedure. Have fun trying these experiments at home or use them for SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT IDEAS. How to Make a Rocket with Alka Seltzer Materials. Alka Seltzer (Have plenty on hand, this is a very fun experiment!) Water, vinegar, and any other liquids you want to test Empty water bottle Launch "Pad". We used an empty plastic container. See the photos. Protective eye wear Cork that fits in the water bottle but isn't too too tight and isn't so loose the liquid runs out. PDF Balloon Rockets rocket engine works. The air trapped inside the balloon pushes out the open end, providing an "action". The balloon's resulting motion is the "reaction". In this experiment you will measure and analyze the relationships between the volume of air in a balloon and the distance, speed and average acceleration of its travels. Objectives: Water Rocket Construction Working in teams, students construct a simple bottle rocket from two-liter soft drink bottles and other materials. The rocket is powered by air pressure and water. Water Rocket Construction [303KB PDF file] This activity is part of the Rockets Educator Guide. Construct and launch a simple bottle rocket made from a two-liter soda bottle. How to Make a Balloon Rocket Hold the rocket horizontally, with the straw pointing in the direction you want it to fly, and gently inflate the balloon. Try not to overinflate the balloon. Release the rocket and observe it soar forward. Measure the distance it travels using a tape measure, and encourage your child to make observations and predictions about its flight. Vinegar and Baking Soda Rocket Science Experiment for Kids Rocket experiment. All you need to make this really cool, summer fun idea are a few simple materials you probably already have on hand: Supplies: 2 liter soda bottle that is both empty and rinced; decorations for rocket - ideas may include construction paper, paint, sharpies, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, circle stickers, bingo markers, etc Balloon rocket The balloon rocket illustrates Newton's third law of motion. It states that for each force there is an equally strong and opposite reaction force. In this case, the air inside the rocket, through the collisions of the air molecules (air pressure), exerts a net force on the front inside wall of the balloon. The opposing force is the push back on ... Science for Kids Draw a picture of a rocket or other space object on a piece of paper and use sellotape (double-sided works best ) to attach to the wider straw. Place the wider straw onto one end of the normal straw and blow! Watch your rocket fly! Try pointing the straw at different angles and blowing harder/less hard to see how the flight of the rocket changes. How to Make a Balloon Rocket: (Step-by-Step) Balloon rocket is a simple science experiment to understand the newton's third law. Which states that, "Every action has reaction". You will build a simple rocket out of a balloon and a straw that will slide over a string by producing thrust. Precaution: Always wear safety goggles and hand gloves when dealing with chemicals. Also, take ... Straw Rocket Activity & Engineering Challenge Cut out along the outside lines without cutting apart at the tip. Cut the wider straw or pipette to fit between the two rockets. Tape the wider straw or pipette to the non-patterned side of the rocket. It's important to REALLY seal up the edges, including the areas around the flame. Cut the thinner straw to 6" length. How to Make a Water Bottle Rocket The water powered bottle rocket flies on pumping in air. Materials. Empty plastic bottle (a 2 liter soda pop bottle would be fine) Piece of cardboard made into a cone and 4 fins; Pump with a needle adaptor; Water; ... The experiment is based on Newton's 3 rd law that states every action has an equal and opposite reaction. When air is pumped ... Pop Rocket Chemical Reaction Science Experiment Learn how to make a pop rocket in this quick, super fun, and easy chemical reaction science experiment. This is a new spin on the traditional Alka-Seltzer film canister pop rocket experiment. Since the old film canisters are getting harder to come by, we will use a Mini M&Ms tube to perform this chemical reaction science experiment. Materials: Empty Mini M&M's tube. These are readily available ... How to Make a Baking Soda Rocket Use the tape to attach three straws to the side of the bottle, so it stands up upside down. Pour about 2 cm of vinegar into the bottle. Wrap the baking soda in the kitchen roll to make a little parcel. Choose a launch area outside. It needs to be a hard surface. When you're ready to launch, drop the baking soda parcel into the bottle, quickly ... FactChecking Vice President Kamala Harris In about 48 hours, Vice President Kamala Harris went from No. 2 on the Democratic presidential ticket to the presumptive presidential nominee, after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and ... essay homework paper phd project resume review study thesis