Take a balloon popper to the next level
Build an upgraded balloon popper using a safe retractable foam tip mechanism, elastic launch trigger, and simple circuits to remotely pop balloons under adult supervision.
Step-by-step guide to build an upgraded balloon popper using a safe retractable foam tip mechanism, elastic launch trigger, and simple circuits to remotely pop balloons under adult supervision
Step 1
Gather all Materials Needed and clear a workspace to build on.
Step 2
Make a stable base by taping popsicle sticks to the top of the cardboard to form a cradle for the pen.
Step 3
With adult help take apart the retractable pen and remove the inner spring and push mechanism.
Step 4
Push the foam craft ball or foam earplug onto the pen tip and secure it with a small dab of glue or tape so it will stay put.
Step 5
Place the pen into the cardboard cradle with the foam tip pointing forward and tape the barrel so it stays aligned but can slide slightly.
Step 6
Tape one end of a rubber band to a fixed point on the base behind the pen to create an anchor.
Step 7
Loop the other end of the rubber band over the foam tip and pull it back to stretch the band toward the rear anchor.
Step 8
Bend the paperclip into a small hook shape and tape or glue it to the servo horn to make a simple release catch.
Step 9
Mount the servo on the base beside the pen so the paperclip hook can hold the stretched rubber band when the band is pulled back.
Step 10
With adult help connect the servo to the wireless receiver and battery pack and test the servo movement using the remote.
Step 11
Pull the foam tip back so the rubber band is stretched and hook the band onto the paperclip latch to arm the popper.
Step 12
Inflate a balloon and secure it at a safe distance facing the foam tip using tape or a light stand.
Step 13
With adult supervision have the adult press the remote to release the latch and pop the balloon while you stand back and watch safely.
Step 14
Take a photo or video of your upgraded balloon popper and share your finished creation 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 I use if I can't find a servo, wireless receiver, or foam craft ball?
If a servo or wireless receiver is unavailable, mount a spring-loaded clothespin to the base in place of the servo and glue the paperclip hook to its jaw to hold and release the stretched rubber band while substituting a small foam pom or rolled tape for the foam craft ball on the pen tip as in step 4.
My rubber band keeps slipping or the foam tip falls off—how do I fix it?
If the rubber band slips or the foam tip detaches during arming, secure the foam with an extra small dab of glue or wrap tape tightly around the pen tip (step 4), and add a short strip of tape or a notch on the pen barrel so the band grips firmly when you pull back and hook it (steps 5–11).
How can I adapt this activity for different age groups?
For preschoolers have an adult do steps 3–9 and let the child help tape the base (steps 1–2,5) and press the remote under supervision, while older kids (10+) can take apart the pen themselves, mount the servo (step 9), and even replace the wireless receiver with a programmable microcontroller to control the release.
What are good ways to extend or personalize the balloon popper once it's built?
To extend and personalize the project, decorate the cardboard base, add multiple pens and servos in a row following steps 5–11 for a multi-shot popper, and attach a small LED to the battery pack as an 'armed' indicator when the rubber band is stretched.
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Facts about electronics and simple machines for kids
⚡ A simple remote popper can be built with a small battery, a receiver or switch, a transistor, and a solenoid or motor — no giant power source needed.
🎈 Balloons can stretch a lot — a typical latex balloon can expand to several times its uninflated size (some hold 10–20× their original volume!).
🧠 Elastic bands store potential energy like tiny springs — release it and that stored energy becomes the motion that launches a tip (Hooke's law explains the behavior).
🛡️ Soft foam tips and rounded edges help keep popping mechanisms safe by spreading impact and avoiding sharp pieces.
🧲 Solenoids turn electrical current into quick straight-line pushes or pulls, great for retractable tips in a popper.
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