Balloons!

Task - Design a Balloon Rocket

Use the stored energy in an elastic band to send a rocket as far as possible along the inclined (30º) length of fishing line. 

20g Load

1st Set-up (failed)

Long balloon, 2 long straws at each end of balloon. Load attached at top of balloon.

2nd Set-up (SUCCESS!)
Shorter balloon, 5 short straws attached to different parts of balloon. No load.

3rd Set-up (for FUN. Partial success?)
Long balloon, 3 paper clips attached at each section of balloon. No load.

Reflections

1. Write a description and make drawings showing your solution to this activity.

- Are straws the best way of connecting the balloon to the incline line?

- Are the connections of the line best:

• In front of the balloon?
• In the middle?
• Or behind the balloon?

- What works best to support the load?

• Sticky-taped to the balloon?
• Inside the balloon?
• Fixed to the connectors?

Yes, short segments of the straw were ideal in connecting the balloon to the inclined line. However, paper clips could also be used.

The connections to the line are best throughout the whole length of the balloon at intervals.

- Load was not used due to time constraints -

2. Make separate drawings and write notes on how you attached your rocket to the line.

3. Write a description of the way you propelled your rocket along the inclined line.

- Does the tightness of the line make a difference?

- Try it with the balloon fully inflated and less-than-fully inflated. Does the balloon travel a greater distance when fully inflated, or not?

Yes, the line has to be tight in order for the balloon to travel quickly upwards without obstruction. Yes, it travels a greater distance when fully inflated.

4. Record the best result from ALL your competitions.

1 second for 2.5m.

5. How far did your rocket travel along the line? How quickly did it travel 2m?

2.5m. Less than 1 second.

6. How heavy was your rocket?

No load was added.

7. Did you add anything to your rocket such as fins, wings, etc.? If so, make drawings and describe how well they worked.

No. 

8. How might your design be improved?

It should be able to travel the same distance with load (20g) added to it.