Balloon Staging
Source Institutions
-
NASA
Add to listGo to activity
In this activity, learners simulate a multistage rocket launch using party balloons, fishing line, straws, and a plastic cup. Educators can use this activity to explain how inventors have refined technology to make space travel more efficient and effective.
- Under 5 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- $1 - $5 per student
- Ages 8 - 18
- Activity, Model
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- 2 long party balloons (round balloon will not work)
- Nylon monofilament fishing line (any weight)
- 2 Plastic straws (milkshake size, non-bendable)
- Styrofoam cup
- Masking tape
- Scissors
Subjects
- Earth and Space Science
- Astronomy
- Probes, Satellites and Spacecraft
- Astronomy
- Engineering and Technology
- Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Engineering
- Physical Sciences
- Energy
- Energy and Power
- Work and Machines
- Motion and Forces
- Machines
- Momentum and Velocity
- Acceleration
- Projectile Motion
- Newton's Laws
- Energy
- The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- The Scientific Process
- The Nature of Technology
- The Design Process
- Invention and Innovation
- The Design Process
Informal Categories
- Model Building
- Transportation
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- be mobile
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Vogt, Gregory; Storm, Roger
Rights:
- Public Domain
