Introduction: Bits4Bots - Make a Balloon Rocket STEM Kit

By Bits4Bots, LLC
About: I enjoy designing 3D models and printed circuit boards. I am an Electrical Engineer. I will share some cool projects & try out a few! #innovator

Welcome to this exciting STEM activity that will not only be loads of fun but will also teach kids about the amazing science of motion and propulsion. In this project, we'll explore how the force of air moving in one direction can propel a balloon in the opposite direction, much like a real rocket! As we embark on this journey, we'll introduce you to the fascinating world of physics, specifically focusing on Newton's Laws of Motion.

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Supplies

Materials You'll Need:

  1. 12-inch balloon
  2. Balloon clip (Clothespin)
  3. 50-inch fishing line
  4. 4.25-inch boba straw
  5. Tape
  6. 2 Anchor points *between two chairs, door knobs, etc.)

Classroom STEM kit available here: www.bits4bots.com

For additional curriculum: No affiliation, just similar resources I found by teachers.

Step 1: The Science Behind the Project:

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let's briefly explore the science that makes this project possible. Sir Isaac Newton, one of history's most renowned scientists, formulated three fundamental laws of motion that help us understand how objects move. These laws are the foundation of classical mechanics and apply to everything from the tiniest particles to the grandest celestial bodies.

  1. Newton's First Law of Motion (The Law of Inertia): This law states that an object at rest tends to stay at rest, and an object in motion tends to stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force. In our project, the balloon initially stays at rest until the air inside it is released, creating an external force that propels it forward.
  2. Newton's Second Law of Motion: This law asserts that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. Simply put, the more force applied to an object, the faster it accelerates. In our experiment, the air rushing out of the balloon generates a force that accelerates the balloon along the fishing line.
  3. Newton's Third Law of Motion (The Law of Action and Reaction): According to this law, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When the air is expelled from the balloon, it pushes backward with force (action), causing the balloon to move forward (reaction). This principle is what allows our balloon rocket to "blast off" in the opposite direction of the air's expulsion.

Now that we have introduced the science behind our project and Newton's Laws of Motion, let's proceed with the step-by-step instructions for creating and launching your very own balloon rocket:

Step 2: Prepare the Balloon

Start by inflating the 12-inch balloon, but be careful not to overinflate it. You want it to be large enough to create thrust but not so big that it's difficult to handle. Twist the balloon a couple times to keep the air inside. Use a plastic balloon clip to clamp the balloon end.

Take this opportunity to draw a rocket onto the balloon, tape a rocket cut out or color the preprinted rocket artwork. I have also seen cool aliens onboard the rocket!

Use your imagination and be creative.

Step 3: Attach Straw & Fishing Line

  • Cut two pieces of tape and center the balloon to the straw.
  • Now, take the balloon and carefully tape it to the straw.

Make sure the balloon is pointed away from you, so when it deflates and propels, it moves in the opposite direction.

Step 4: Thread the Straw

  • Cut a 50-inch piece of fishing line. One end of the fishing line will be the "launchpad" or starting point for your balloon rocket.
  • Take the 4.25-inch boba straw and thread it onto the fishing line. The straw will act as the guide for your balloon rocket, allowing it to move smoothly along the line without tangling.

You can do this by tying a loop or a knot around a stationary object, like a chair or a doorknob. Make sure it's secure and won't move when you launch your rocket.

Step 5: Set Up Your Rocket Track

  • Find two anchor points across the room from each other, such as two chairs.
  • Tie one end of the 50-inch string securely to one of the anchor points.

Take a quick glance at the STEM kit label to see an example of the anchor points. In our video we visit a park and design a 3 anchor point system using trees and poles! You can use just about anything non moving.

Step 6: Launch Your Balloon Rocket

With your balloon rocket ready to go, it's time for the exciting part!

  1. Remove the balloon clip.
  2. Release the balloon, allowing the air to rush out of the balloon. As the air moves one way, according to Newton's third law of motion, your balloon rocket will move in the opposite direction.

Step 7: Experiment and Learn

Try experimenting with different balloon sizes, amounts of air, lengths or types of line to see how they affect the distance and speed of your balloon rocket. Example, yarn, nylon, plastic, or others materials.

This is a great opportunity to learn about variables and how they impact the performance of your homemade rocket.


Try a game we made up called Astronauts vs Aliens. Decorate the different anchor point as themes for Earth, outer space, alien space station, and more+

What happens if two balloons collide on a track? What is recoil?

If you setup a dual track for a friendly race, which balloon will win? Why?

What if my friend inflates their balloon with 3 big lungs full of air in contrast with my 2 big lungs full of air? Does it make my balloon lighter in weight and faster? Or will my balloon has less force to propel it forward?

Step 8: Conclusion:

Congratulations! Your class just successfully created a balloon rocket that demonstrates the principles of action and reaction in physics. As you launch your rocket, you're witnessing the power of air in motion propelling an object forward. This fun and educational activity can spark curiosity about science and engineering in kids of all ages. Enjoy exploring the world of STEM with your very own balloon rocket!

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Step 9: Multiple Choice Question

Here are five multiple-choice questions related to the Science concepts covered in the balloon rocket project experiment. These questions are designed for primary-aged students:

1. What is the main scientific principle behind the balloon rocket experiment?

  a) Gravity

  b) Electricity

  c) The force of air

  d) Magnetism


2. Which of Newton's Laws of Motion explains why the balloon rocket moves in the opposite direction of the expelled air?

  a) Newton's First Law

  b) Newton's Second Law

  c) Newton's Third Law

  d) Newton's Fourth Law


3. In the experiment, what is used to help the balloon rocket travel along the clear path?

  a) A ruler

  b) A straw

  c) A rubber band

  d) A rubber ball


4. When the air is released from the balloon, it pushes the balloon rocket in which direction?

  a) Upward

  b) Downward

  c) Forward

  d) Backward


5. Which part of the balloon rocket system is responsible for holding the air inside the balloon until you're ready to launch it?

  a) The fishing line

  b) The straw

  c) The anchor points

  d) The balloon clip


Answers:

1. c) The force of air

2. c) Newton's Third Law

3. b) A straw

4. c) Forward

5. d) The balloon clip

Feel free to use these questions to test the understanding of the young scientists engaging in this balloon rocket experiment.

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