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TRB 3:3 - Investigation 5 - Balloon Rockets: Balloon Rocket Observation Log

Students will conduct experiments using balloon rockets to learn about how applied forces affect motion. They will predict and time how fast balloon rockets move up strings when the balloon is released from different setups - attached directly to a straw, attached to a straw with a paper cup suspended below, and attached with added weights in the paper cup. Extensions include comparing the flights in a Venn diagram and making a straw rocket from plastic bottles and clay to launch using air pressure.

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130 views3 pages

TRB 3:3 - Investigation 5 - Balloon Rockets: Balloon Rocket Observation Log

Students will conduct experiments using balloon rockets to learn about how applied forces affect motion. They will predict and time how fast balloon rockets move up strings when the balloon is released from different setups - attached directly to a straw, attached to a straw with a paper cup suspended below, and attached with added weights in the paper cup. Extensions include comparing the flights in a Venn diagram and making a straw rocket from plastic bottles and clay to launch using air pressure.

Uploaded by

api-365953171
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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TRB 3:3 - Investigation 5 - Balloon Rockets

Summary
Students will make a balloon rocket and learn about the relationship between the force applied to an
object and the resulting motion.

Main Core Tie


Science - 3rd Grade
Standard 3 Objective 2

Group Size
Individual

Materials
- Balloon Rocket Observation Log (pdf)
Activity 1, 2 & 3
Long balloon
Straw
String
Paper cup
Nuts and bolts
Tape
Stopwatch
Straw Rocket Activity
Soft plastic bottle, with a pop-up lid
Modeling Clay
Two straws (one smaller than the other one in diameter)
Scissors
Rulers
Additional Resources
Books:
- Tell Me How Fast It Goes
(Whiz Kids) by Shirley Willis (Franklin Watts)
- Feel the Wind
by Arthus Dorros (Children's Book)
- The Berenstain Bears Science Fair
by Stan and Jan Berenstain (Random House, Inc.)
- Gizmos and Gadgets: Creating Science Contraptions that Work and Knowing Why
by Jill Frankel Hauser (Williamson Publishing)
- Forces
by Graham Peacock (Steck-Vaughn)
Laser Discs:
Windows on Science, Primary Vol. 3, Force and Motion Lessons 6-10, 14-17

Background for Teachers


The balloon is made of rubber and has shape that it prefers. It will return to that shape when it can.
When the balloon is inflated, the rubber is stretched way past where it wants to be. As soon as it gets
a chance, the rubber will push the air out of the balloon and return to its original shape.

Intended Learning Outcomes


1. Use a Science Process and Thinking Skills
2. Manifest Scientific Concepts and Principles
3. Understand Science Concepts and Principles
4. Communicate Effectively Using Science Language and Reasoning

Instructional Procedures
Pre-Assessment/Invitation to Learn
Tell students the balloon is lazy. It likes to stay flat and lifeless. Have a volunteer blow up the balloon.
Ask the students what the lazy balloon wants to do. Does it want to return to its lazy state? Tell the
students that they are going to get a lazy balloon to do some work before they let it resume its flat,
lifeless state.
Instructional Procedure
Activity 1
Thread a piece of string through a straw.
Attach the ends of the string to the ceiling and the floor. (You can also have a child stand on the
chair and hold the string.)
Tape an inflated balloon to the straw.
Predict what will happen when you release the neck of the balloon and how fast the balloon will
travel.
Do the experiment and observe what happens. Time how quickly the balloon rocket goes up the
string. Design a chart to record the results.
Activity 2
Attach three strings to a paper cup.
Tape the strings to the inflated balloon so that the cup is suspended like a gondola beneath it.
Predict what will happen when you release the neck of the balloon. Predict how fast the balloon
will travel.
Do the experiment and observe what happens. Time how quickly the balloon rocket goes up the
string. Record the results.
Activity 3
Do experiment 2 several times, but now add weight (nuts and bolts) to the paper cup. Use a
different weight each time you launch the rocket.
Predict what will happen to the balloon rocket as more weight is added.
Predict the maximum weight the balloon rocket can lift.
Do the experiment until the balloon rocket will no longer lift-off.
Record the results.

Extensions
Language Arts-
Create a Venn Diagram comparing the different balloon flights. How were they the same? How
were they different? (Standard VII, Objective 2)
Science-
Make a Straw Rocket (ILO 1)
Cut both straws 6 in length.
Make four 3/8 slits around one edge of the smaller diameter straw.
Bend the four sections out (should look like an X or a + sign).
With the cap closed, place the slit end of the smaller straw in the center of the lid. Secure in
place with the clay. This is your launch pad.
Make a nose for the rocket (large diameter straw) with a small amount of clay.
Slide the rocket over the launch pad.
PREDICT what will happen when the plastic bottle is squeezed firmly.
Actually squeeze the bottle and OBSERVE what happens.
Does it make a difference how hard you squeeze the bottle? Try it to find out.
Homework & Family Connections
Have the students make a straw rocket at home.

Assessment Plan
Did the students complete the Balloon Rocket Observation Log accurately? Were their predictions
accurate as they filled out the chart?

Authors
Utah LessonPlans

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