Balloon Rocket Racers

Make balloon rockets, then race or watch them go. How do they move? The energy inside the balloon turns into motion. When the air rushes out, it pushes the balloon forward. This is called thrust. It’s like Newton’s Third Law: for every action (air escaping), there’s an equal and opposite reaction (the balloon moves forward).

Skill Level

Beginner

Time to Make

30 mins

Adult Supervision

Yes

FREE Template

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Tagged with:

Science

FC999

Quantity

AG212

Quantity

AG292

Quantity

AF962

Quantity

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Items you'll also need

Paper straw

Top Tip

Why not make two and race them with a friend, the bigger the balloon the further they go.

How to Make

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Print off the template, colour in the rockets and cut them out.
Now take a balloon and blow it up but don’t tie it, seal it with a peg instead.
Using masking tape fix the straw to the rocket.
Now using glue dots stick the rocket to the balloon on top of the straw.
Thread a length of sting through the straw and stretch this between two people or objects.
Now when you are ready take off the peg and watch your rocket zoom to the other end.