It's time to Whoosh
Build a balloon powered straw rocket, launch it along a string, observe the whoosh motion, test different balloon sizes, and measure distance.
Step-by-step guide to build a balloon-powered straw rocket
Step 1
Choose two chairs or door handles about 1 to 3 meters apart.
Step 2
Tie one end of the string to the first chair or doorknob.
Step 3
Tie the other end of the string to the second chair or doorknob.
Step 4
Pull the string tight so it is straight and secure.
Step 5
Thread the plastic straw onto the string.
Step 6
Slide the straw to the middle of the string.
Step 7
Stick a small piece of tape on the string right next to the straw to mark the start.
Step 8
Inflate a balloon to your first chosen size.
Step 9
Pinch the balloon's neck closed to hold the air.
Step 10
Stretch the balloon opening over the back of the straw so the balloon's nozzle points backward.
Step 11
Wrap tape around the balloon and straw where they meet to make a tight seal.
Step 12
Put the straw at the start mark and release the balloon's neck to launch the rocket.
Step 13
Measure from the start mark to where the straw stopped and write the distance down.
Step 14
Deflate or replace the balloon and repeat the launch with a different balloon size to collect another distance.
Step 15
Share your finished creation and what you discovered on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use instead of the plastic straw or string if we don't have them?
If you don't have a plastic straw, roll and tape a sheet of paper into a smooth tube that can be threaded onto the string, and if you don't have string use fishing line or yarn tied between the two chairs or doorknobs.
Why won't the straw slide smoothly or the balloon travel far?
If the straw sticks or the rocket doesn't go far, retie and pull the string tight between the chairs or doorknobs, replace the straw with a smoother tube, and keep extra tape off the straw so the tape only seals the balloon-to-straw joint.
How can I modify the activity for different ages?
For younger children shorten the chair distance to about 0.5–1 m, pre-thread the straw and have an adult tie the string and hold the balloon neck, while older kids can test different balloon sizes, record distances from the start mark, and graph the results.
How can we extend or personalize the balloon rocket activity?
Decorate the balloon and straw, add paper fins or a small paperclip payload, try tilting the string at different angles, and share your distances and what you discovered on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to build a balloon-powered straw rocket
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Facts about forces and motion for kids
🎈 A simple party balloon can produce enough escaping air to send a lightweight straw rocket several meters along a taut string.
🚀 Balloon rockets show Newton's third law in action: as air rushes out one way, the rocket moves the other way.
📏 Bigger balloons usually provide longer pushes, but more air also adds weight and drag, so the best flight often comes from the right balance.
⏱️ You can find your rocket's speed by timing its run and dividing distance by time — e.g., 3 meters in 1 second = 3 m/s!
💨 The loud whoosh is fast-moving air — the faster the air escapes, the more thrust (and usually the louder the sound).
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