Measure the velocity of balloon rockets

A project to measure the velocity of balloon rockets.

In this fun activity, learners will make a balloon rocket and carry out timed tests to calculate the velocity of the balloon. This activity introduces the concept of flight, speed and energy through the making of a balloon rocket.

You will need:

Balloons of various shapes
Balloon pump
String
Scissors
Sticky tape
Thin card/paper
Pencil
Stopwatch/timing device
Measuring tape (5 m)
Calculators

All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.

The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

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