Inspired by our 2019 exhibition Brodie Ellis > Heavy Launch. This exhibition explored the idea of space travel and the resources and energy needed to launch a rocket. This activity allows kids, and enthusiastic adults, to make a rocket of their own and to learn more about propulsion, rocket design, and the transformation of energy.
Decorate your cardboard straw anyway you like. This straw will be acting as your rocket. For inspiration have a look at Brodie Ellis’ rocket from her Heavy Launch exhibition.
Tie one end of the string to a support (chair, door handle, lamp) Thread the string through your straw rocket, pull it tight and tie the loose end to another support.
Blow up your balloon and pinch the end shut (don’t tie it up). With the help of a friend tape the balloon to the underside of your straw rocket so the opening is horizontal to the ground.
IMAGES > Balloon Rockets. photographs by Sebastian Heusler.
Pull your balloon all the way back to the start of the string.
Let go of the end you have been pinching shut and watch your rocket race along the string.
If you want to know just how fast your rocket went carry out the following extra steps:
*we multiply by 0.036 as there are 3600 seconds in 1 hour.
