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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

A 5–10 minutes craft for ages 5–12, using supplies you likely already have — Balloons, Tape, and Pom Poms.

GlueStick supports kids from setup to cleanup. After they choose a project, we guide them through gathering the supplies, making it, and cleaning up when they're done. We'll even help them share it safely with trusted family and friends.

Ad-free and kid-safe library — designed by a mom who wants kids to explore and create independently.

Heads up: This project may use supplies that can trigger allergies. Check with your grown-up before starting.

Project Tags

stem experiment physics science lab playground

1
Find Supplies

Do you have everything you need?

Create a free GlueStick account to track supplies and see if you have what you need at a glance. Leave your kids tips about where supplies are stored in your household so they can set up and clean up their creative spaces independently.

00:00

Heads up: Some supplies in this project may trigger allergies. Ask a grown-up before using them.

Balloons
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Allergen

Wide Tape, such as Packaging Tape
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Pom Poms
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Scissors
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Toilet Paper Rolls
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(Optional) Aluminum Foil
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2
Make Balloon Pom Pom Launcher

Messy Mode

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.

Your creative buddy says:

"Are you as excited to make this as I am?"

Heads up! Some supplies may trigger allergies. Check with a grown-up before using them.

Step 1: 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.

Step 2: Tie the balloon

Tie a knot in the neck of the balloon.

Step 3: 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.

Step 4: (Optional) Make aluminum foil projectiles

May need grown-up help

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.
3
Clean up
Put things away so your space is tidy for next time.

Reminder, this project used supplies that may trigger allergies. Store them safely!
Tidy up our space

Pick up anything that fell on the floor.

Wipe up any spills on the table.

Put your completed project somewhere safe!

Throw away all your trash and recycling.
Put away our supplies

Check off each supply when it is put away — and any clean-up tips underneath are done too. You might find a fun surprise!

Put away balloons. Where they belong:

Put away tape. Where they belong:

Put away pom poms. Where they belong:

Put away toilet paper rolls. Where they belong:

Put away aluminum foil. Where they belong:

Put away scissors. Where they belong:
Update what we have left

Did we run out of anything while making this project? Update our supply cupboard so that we know exactly what we have for next time.

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4
Save

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About the Author

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The team at GlueStick is busy bringing you fun, engaging arts and crafts projects, science experiments and activities. Follow us for the latest and greatest unique experiences to share with your kids.

More projects by this author

Balloon Pom Pom Launcher

About This Project

Project Tags

Find Supplies

Make Balloon Pom Pom Launcher

Step 1: Cut the top off the balloon

Step 2: Tie the balloon

Step 3: Stretch the balloon over the toilet paper roll

Step 4: (Optional) Make aluminum foil projectiles

Clean up

Tidy up our space

Put away our supplies

Update what we have left

Save

Save the Memory with a GlueStick Account

More projects you might like

Use what’s already at home

About the Author

GlueStick