| Every action triggers an equal reaction in the opposite | | | | in one direction. Therefore an equal force is exerted |
| direction. There are many experiments that can use | | | | on the balloon in the opposite direction, and the |
| this principle, and it's my goal to take you beyond | | | | balloon moves. The same principle is used in launching |
| your Apologia science curriculum experience, by | | | | rockets into the air. |
| making science fun and easy for you. | | | | If your Apologia science curriculum experience |
| Have you ever kicked a brick wall? Off course you | | | | stopped here, let me take you further. Some rockets |
| ended up hurting your toe. As strange as it may | | | | that need to go higher use double fuel tanks or |
| sound, when you kicked the brick wall, the stationary | | | | double stages. In the next experiment, I will teach |
| wall exerted an equal reaction force in the opposite | | | | you how to make a cool double-stage balloon rocket. |
| direction, and therefore you felt the pain. Kick harder | | | | Double-Stage Balloon Rocket: This experiment is |
| and it will hurt more- equal reaction force, you see? | | | | similar to the single-stage balloon rocket experiment; |
| This law has been explained by Sir Isaac Newton | | | | only pass the fishing line through two straws instead |
| centuries ago, and came to be known as his Third | | | | of one. Make a one-inch ring out of a Styrofoam |
| Law of Motion. This is the same law that is at work | | | | coffee cup by removing the base of the cup. Now |
| when rockets are launched. If you have searched for | | | | blow a long balloon just enough so that it can fit |
| cool rocketry experiments in the Apologia science | | | | snugly inside this Styrofoam ring with the rounded |
| curriculum and other homeschool programs, you will | | | | head of the balloon extending a little beyond the ring. |
| be glad that you found me. Let me show you a fun | | | | Secure the mouth of this balloon with a clothespin. |
| way of using balloons to simulate the launching of | | | | Tape this balloon to the straw on the left hand side |
| rockets. | | | | with the balloon head pointing to the right. |
| Single-Stage Balloon Rocket: Take a twenty-foot long | | | | Now inflate and tape a second long balloon lengthwise |
| nylon fishing line and tie one end to a window or | | | | to the straw on the right hand side. Twist the |
| something strong. Pass the free end of the line | | | | mouth-end of the balloon to form a one inch tail. Now |
| through a plastic drinking straw and tie the free end | | | | pass this tail through the Styrofoam ring and under |
| to another strong object such as another window or | | | | the first balloon. The air pressure of the first balloon |
| a bed. The fishing line must be stretched and not left | | | | will keep the second balloon from getting deflated. |
| hanging loose. Now blow a long balloon and secure | | | | Bring these two connected balloons to the left hand |
| the mouth with a clothespin. Tape this balloon to the | | | | side of the fishing line and remove the clothespin |
| straw in such a way that the length of the balloon is | | | | from the first balloon. What happens? |
| parallel to the length of the straw. | | | | To get great science experiments and activities, visit |
| Now remove the clothespin and observe what | | | | the free "Homeschool Parent's Guide to Teaching |
| happens. When you remove the clothespin, air is | | | | Science" at the link below. |
| pushed out of the deflating balloon with great force | | | | |