5-4-3-2-1 Blast–Off!

It’s not rocket science…or is it?! My Little Explorers class learned quite a bit about rockets using a milkshake straw, some duct tape and a balloon. We started our experiment by reading about how rockets work. We learned that when rockets launch it is kind of like letting the air out of a balloon. The air moves one way and the balloon moves in the other direction. A rocket burns fuel which becomes a hot gas. As the rocket launches, it shoots the gas towards the ground which pushes the rocket up. This is a very basic description of jet propulsion.

We then tested out the balloon theory. I would suggest blowing up the balloon a little and slowly releasing the air before building your rocket. This will make it easier to blow up during your experiment.

1. Assemble all your materials. You will need a balloon, milkshake straw, scissors, and duct tape. If you want to decorate your rocket, you could use markers and some paper to create tail fins.

2. Cut the lip off of the balloon. 

3. Stretch the balloon over one end of the straw.

4.  Use the duct tape to secure the balloon to one end of the straw. 

5. Decorate your rocket if you want to. 

6.  Blow up the balloon using the straw.

7.  Once the balloon is inflated quickly cover the open end of the straw with your finger.

8. Release the rocket. As the air comes out it should force your rocket upwards.

Listed below are some books about rockets that you may enjoy!

Easy and Juvenile Nonfiction:

Spaceships and Rockets by Deborah Lock

How Does a Rocket Work? by Sarah Eason

Launch a Rocket Into Space by Hilary Koll

How to Build a Fizzy Rocket by Lori Shores

Space Exploration by Carole Stott

Picture Books:

Zoom, Rocket, Zoom! by Margaret Mayo

Zoom! Zoom! Zoom! I'm Off to the Moon by Dan Yaccarino

Bitty Bot by Tim McCanna

- Michelle, Robbinsville Branch