Balloon-Powered Rockets

A fun demonstration, but more meaningful in the context of a unit on a space or as part of a series of experiments with air.

Objectives

Children ages 4-5 years can answer questions classifying and organizing objects according to form and materials Lang. IIA
ages 3-4 can identify objects like balloons as having more or less air Cog. IIIB
and ages 1-1 ½ years can name common objects by pointing or vocalizing Lang. IB

 

Materials

A long balloon (and some spares, of course); half a straw; string; tape; bobby pin or wire; scissors.

Procedures

1. Seat the children so that they will be able to see what you are doing. Describe the procedures as you go along.

2. Thread the string through the straw, explaining that the straw will be a rocket aimed at the moon (or wherever). Attach the string, pulled taut, 6 or 7 feet high, wall to wall (cabinet, etc.).

3. Blow up the balloon and tie the end. Describe what is happening with the air--as you blow up the balloon, you push the air in and stretch the balloon more and more. The air is pushing the balloon out and the balloon is squeezing the air. Let children feel the balloon, squeeze it, and feel the air pushing back.

4. Attach the balloon to the straw with a piece of tape. Count down for the launch. At blast off, cut a small hole in the tied end of the balloon. Watch!

5. Ask children what happened and why. Remind them how hard the air was pushing inside the balloon. The air rushing out the little hole being squeezed by the balloon pushed the rocket along the string.

6. Try a larger balloon. Try using a balloon that is only partially blown up.

Let children compare the feeling of balloons with more and balloons with less air. Launch the rocket again and discuss how far the rocket goes under different conditions.