How Do Rockets Fly?

• Drinking Straw
• String
• Long Balloon
• Transparent Tape
• Clothespin

1. Thread the string through the straw.
2. Tie the string between two tree.
3. Blow up your balloon. Seal the mouth of the baloon with the clothespin. (Note: It may help to fold the neck of the baloon once or twice before applying the clothespin.)
4. Tape the baloon lengthwise along the straw.
5. Remove the clothespin and release your balloon.

Try some variations

• Raise the opposite end of the string. What affect does this have on your balloon's flight? Why?
• Add a second straw and ballon to the string, facing the opposite direction. Tape an additional short length of string (about 2 feet) between the balloons. Do the two balloon rockets move in one direction or the other? Why?

• astronomy for kids
• science fairs
• rockets