Hey there! Today, we’re going to have some fun with balloons and learn something cool at the same time. It might look like we’re having a party, but we’re actually doing an experiment! Are you ready to join us?
Besides balloons, what else do you think we need? That’s right—air! We use air to blow up balloons. Even though we can’t see the air around us, it takes up space. When we blow up a balloon, the air inside makes it take the shape of the balloon.
Now, let’s think about what happens when we let go of a blown-up balloon. Will its shape change? Will it drop to the ground? Or will something else happen? Let’s find out!
When we let go of the balloon, it flies out of our hand, zips around, and then falls to the ground. Its shape changes because the air rushes out. But did you notice how it didn’t just fall straight down? It flew around first!
The reason the balloon flies is because the air rushing out from the bottom pushes it in the opposite direction. This is a great example of how forces work. Forces are pushes and pulls that make things move.
Let’s use this balloon power to make a rocket! Here’s what you’ll need: some string, a straw, some tape, and a balloon. You might also need a friend or a grown-up to help you.
First, tie one end of the string to something heavy, like a chair or a table. Then, put the other end of the string through the straw and tie it to something heavy, too, so the string is straight.
Now, blow up the balloon about halfway and pinch the end so the air doesn’t escape. Tape the balloon to the straw. Are you ready for launch? Let go, and watch your rocket blast off!
We just saw force in action! The air rushing out of the balloon pushed the straw forward, making it move. You can try making other things like a balloon-powered car or boat. Experiment by blowing up the balloon more or less and see what happens. Will it go farther or faster? Keep experimenting and discover what you can learn about balloon power!
If you have any questions or want to learn more, ask a grown-up to help you leave a comment or send an email to [email protected]. See you next time!
Balloon Observation Journal: Start a balloon observation journal! Blow up a balloon and let it go. Watch how it moves and where it lands. Draw a picture of its path and write down what you see. Try it a few times and see if the balloon moves differently each time. Why do you think that happens?
Balloon Rocket Race: Gather some friends or family members and have a balloon rocket race! Set up multiple strings with straws and balloons, just like in the balloon rocket activity. See whose balloon rocket goes the farthest or the fastest. Try changing the size of the balloons or the length of the strings. What do you notice about how these changes affect the race?
Forces in Everyday Life: Look around your home or school and find examples of forces in action. Can you find something being pushed or pulled? Maybe a door being opened or a toy car rolling down a ramp. Draw or take pictures of these examples and share them with your class. How are these forces similar to or different from the force you saw with the balloon?
