Balloon Rocket Racers

Zabrina Walker

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Balloon Rocket Racers

Students experiment with thrust, force, and motion using balloon rockets.

In this engaging experiment-based lesson, students will create balloon-powered rockets to explore the principles of thrust, force, and motion. They will race their rockets and discuss their observations to understand the physics behind the activity.

Audience

11-12-year-olds at Boys & Girls Club

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Students experiment with thrust, force, and motion using balloon rockets.

Materials

Balloons, String, Straws, Tape, Scissors, and Stopwatch or Timer

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Start by asking students if they know what makes a rocket go up.
Briefly discuss the concept of thrust and how it works in rockets.
Explain that in today's lesson, they will be making their own rockets using balloons and learning about force and motion.

Step 2

Materials Preparation

5 minutes

Hand out materials to each group (balloon, string, straw, tape, scissors).
Have students cut a length of string (about 10-15 feet) and thread it through the straw.

Step 3

Building the Rocket

10 minutes

Instruct students to inflate the balloon but not tie it. Instead, tape the balloon to the straw.
Make sure the balloon opening is pointing backwards, opposite the direction of the desired movement.
Secure one end of the string to a fixed point (like a chair or a door handle) and hold the other end tightly.

Step 4

Racing and Observations

7 minutes

Have students release their balloons and observe how the rockets move along the string.
Encourage students to time their rockets (if a stopwatch or timer is available) and note differences between various balloons (e.g., more air, less air).

Step 5

Wrap-Up Discussion

3 minutes

Discuss what happened during the experiment.
Relate their observations back to the concept of thrust, force, and motion.
Ask students what changes they could make to their balloons to improve their rockets' speed or distance.

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Worksheet

Balloon Rocket Racers Instructions Handout

A handout providing step-by-step instructions for building and racing the balloon rockets.

Balloon Rocket Racers Instructions

Materials Needed:

One balloon
A length of string (10-15 feet)
One straw
Tape
Scissors

Steps:

Cut a piece of string about 10-15 feet long.
Thread the straw through the string.
Inflate the balloon but do not tie it shut.
Tape the balloon to the straw, ensuring the open end of the balloon points backwards.
Secure one end of the string to a fixed object (like a chair or door handle).
Hold the other end of the string tightly.
Release the balloon and watch your rocket race!

Observations:

How far did your rocket go?
Did more or less air make a difference?
What changes could you make to improve your rocket?