All STEM Activities

Make a Cotton Ball Launcher

Active Time
20-30 minutes
Total Project Time
20-30 minutes
Key Concepts
Potential energy, kinetic energy, conservation of energy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWJfIdZOpP4

Introduction

Have you ever stretched and launched a rubber band at someone? Put that energy to good use and build a rubber band-powered cotton ball launcher in this fun activity!

Credits

Megan Arnett, PhD, Science Buddies
Ben Finio, PhD, Science Buddies
This activity is not appropriate for use as a science fair project. Good science fair projects have a stronger focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data. To find a science fair project that is just right for you, browse our library of over 1,200 Science Fair Project Ideas or use the Topic Selection Wizard to get a personalized project recommendation.
Next: Materials

Materials

  • Short pencil or popsicle stick
  • Thin rubber bands (2)
  • Cardboad tube (2 empty toilet paper tubes or empty paper towel tube cut in half)
  • Packing tape or other strong tape
  • Scissors
  • Cotton balls
  • Single hole punch
    Materials required to build cotton ball launcher
Next: Instructions

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Active Time
20-30 minutes
Total Project Time
20-30 minutes
Key Concepts
Potential energy, kinetic energy, conservation of energy
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