Balloon Pom Pom Launcher

Ready to become a launching expert? Let's build an amazing pom pom shooter that'll have you aiming, launching, and giggling for hours! This super simple STEM project turns basic household supplies into an awesome indoor game. Test your aim, create target games, or just see how far you can launch. Your launcher works using stored energy! When you pull back the balloon, you're storing energy. When you let go, that energy transfers to the pom pom and launches it forward. It's physics made fun! Try experimenting. Do large pom poms fly better than small ones? How well do balls of aluminum foil or crumpled paper fling? Are there certain techniques to make objects launch extra far?

5-10 minutes Ages 5-12 1 step may need help Allergen warning

About This Project

Steps

Heads up! This project includes supplies that may trigger allergies. Check with your grown-up before starting.

Cut the top off the balloon

Use a scissors to cut a hole in the top of the balloon. It doesn't need to be very big! The more balloon that remains, the farther your launcher will shoot.

Tie the balloon

Tie a knot in the neck of the balloon.

Stretch the balloon over the toilet paper roll

Stretch the untied end of the balloon over one end of the toilet paper tube. Use your wide packaging tape to secure it in place.

(Optional) Make aluminum foil projectiles

A "projectile" is anything that gets shot through the air at high speed. A bullet is the projectile shot by a gun. A stone may be the projectile from a catapult. In our case, we used pom poms as our main projectile. We also experimented with balls of aluminum foil and found that they flung very well. What other projectiles can you find around your house? Remember, don't shoot your launcher at any person, pet, or fragile objects, especially if using projectiles that are hard. Ask a grown-up for permission BEFORE launching anything, especially inside the house.

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GlueStick

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