Build a Balloon Rocket at Home

STEM doesn’t have to mean fancy labs or expensive kits. Some of the most exciting discoveries happen with supplies you already have at home. Here’s one family-friendly activity that blends science and fun: the balloon rocket.

What you’ll need:

• A balloon

• A piece of string

• A straw

• Tape

Steps:

1. Thread the string through the straw and tie the ends of the string between two chairs or across a hallway.

2. Inflate the balloon (but don’t tie it) and tape it securely to the straw.

3. Let go of the balloon and watch it zoom across the string.

So what’s happening here? Newton’s Third Law of Motion: for every action, there’s an equal and opposite reaction. As the air rushes out of the balloon, it pushes the balloon forward along the string.

Kids get to see physics in action, families share a laugh, and suddenly a simple balloon becomes a mini-rocket experiment. Try racing two balloons at once or experimenting with different balloon shapes to see which travels the farthest.

If you try this experiment at home, share what worked best for your family—did you discover a trick that made your balloon rocket go faster or farther?

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Disclaimer: Although this activity is meant for children, the content provided on this blog is for general informational and educational purposes only. We make no warranties, expressed or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the information. Any actions you take based on this content are at your own risk. We disclaim all liability for any losses, injuries or damages (direct or indirect) arising from its use.