Build a Two-Stage Balloon Rocket

Introduction

If you have ever watched a rocket launch on TV, you might have noticed that rockets have multiple stages. Some parts of the rocket fall off and burn up in the atmosphere whereas the rest of the rocket keeps going. Why does this happen? Try this activity to find out and build your own two-stage rocket using balloons!

Credits

Materials

• Two modeling balloons (These are the long, skinny kind used to make balloon animals, not the round kind.)
• Two straws
• Two large binder clips
• Paper towel tube
• Fishing line or string (A fishing line will generally work better because it has lower friction.)
• Scissors
• Clear or masking tape
• One other person to help set up the rocket
• Balloon pump, to make it easier to inflate the balloon (optional)
• Two sturdy pieces of furniture across the room from each other (to which you can tie your fishing line or string)—The farther, the better!
• Open space where you can set up the activity