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Balloon Rockets
New activity
Children are “rocket scientists” as they test their ideas relating to physical forces and launch simple balloon-powered straw “rockets.”
Open Activity
How-to Video
Teacher's Guide
Provides classroom connections, key concepts, connections to science standards, and additional resources.
Family Take-home Activity
A take-home that can be sent with patrons that wish to do STEM activities at home. These at-home activities cover similar topic areas as the associated activity and could be handed out at the conclusion of a program or left on a circulation desk for patrons to take home.
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| Hints for uses in your library |
This program is very simple, but if you have children with a latex allergy, you will need latex-free balloons. When doing this program with blind or visually impaired kids, there are several options. Before you begin, if you have a variety of colored balloons, let them choose. Every child, regardless of disability, will likely have a favorite color. Some may want to blow up their balloon, while others may want to only let it go. You will likely need to tape the balloon onto the straw, but you can give the child a choice of how they want it taped. Also ask them in what direction they want to be from the “planet” (aka the person holding the other end of the string). They may want to be above, straight across, below, or any other direction from the “planet.” In the end it’s all about having fun (and seeing if your rocket makes it or flies off into space)!
By Lisa Hellman Wolfner Talking Book and Braille Library Lisa.Hellman@sos.mo.gov |
| Related Links |
Take & Make version
Websites: Rocket Lesson Plans from NASA What Is a Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle? Game: Rocket Builder NASA's Sounding Rockets Rocketry Bookmark Images: NASA Rocketry Image Gallery NASA Launches Rocket and Spacecraft Propulsion Videos: How NASA, SpaceX, and Blue Origin's Monster Rockets compare NISE Network: Stomp Rockets Activity Training Video NISE Network: Stomp Rockets Content Training Video Space Shuttle Atlantis Launch Space Launch System Scale and Power Expedition 31 Crew Launch NISE Network: Stomp Rockets Content Training Video |
| Originating Source | National Center for Interactive Learning/Space Science Institute |
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