Build a Balloon Rocket Activity!

Welcome to an exciting STEM adventure that will spark your curiosity and make school a fun place to learn! Today, we’re going to build a balloon rocket that zooms across the room, introducing basic principles of physics, engineering, and math. This activity is perfect for kids ages 4-10 and will show you how science and technology can make learning a blast!

What You’ll Need:

A balloon
A long piece of string (about 10-15 feet)
A plastic straw
Tape
A pair of scissors
Two chairs or any other sturdy objects to tie the string to
A grown-up to help with setup and safety

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare Your Rocket Path:

Tie one end of the string to the back of one chair.
Thread the other end of the string through the straw.
Stretch the string tightly and tie the other end to the back of the second chair, creating a straight path for your balloon rocket.

Inflate the Balloon:

Blow up the balloon but don’t tie it. Pinch the neck of the balloon to keep the air from escaping.

Attach the Balloon to the Straw:

Tape the balloon to the straw while making sure the open end of the balloon (the neck) is pointing away from the direction you want the rocket to travel.

Get Ready for Lift-off:

Move the straw to one end of the string.
Let go of the balloon and watch your rocket blast off along the string!

Experiment and Learn:

Try changing the size of the balloon to see how it affects the speed and distance of your rocket.
Measure how far and how fast your balloon rocket travels using a ruler and a stopwatch.
Discuss with your grown-up why the balloon rocket moves (hint: it’s all about air pressure and thrust!).

Conclusion:

Hooray! You’ve just built your very own balloon rocket and learned how air pressure can create motion. By exploring this fun STEM activity, you’ve discovered how science and engineering concepts can be used in playful and exciting ways.

Keep experimenting with different designs and see what other kinds of rockets you can create. Remember, learning is all about curiosity and discovery. Stay excited about school and the amazing things you can learn and create!

At Little Medical School, we believe that every child has the potential to be a great scientist, engineer, or doctor. Keep exploring, and who knows, the next big discovery might be yours!