Science Smarts: Warm fuzzy launcher

By Patty Rooks on January 31, 2026.

I know it is early, but I was organizing some files yesterday and ran across an old Valentine’s Experiment Book my children gave out to their Valentines when they were in grade school. Oh my, it was so nice to reminisce about those young scientists doing these activities!

I know not everyone wants to give out science Valentines, but here is an activity from the booklet we made – share your warm fuzzies with those special Valentines! Let’s get started!

*Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.

Materials

– Small cardboard tube (empty toilet tissue or paper towel tube)

– Balloon

– Tape

– Fuzzy pom poms

– Markers

– Decorations (optional).

– Scissors

Procedure

1. Tie a knot in the end of the balloon.

2. Using the scissors, cut about one centimetre off the other end.

3. Stretch the cut end of the balloon over the cardboard tube.

4. Make sure the balloon stays in place by taping it there.

5. Tie to launch!

6. Place a few pop poms in the cardboard tube.

7. Pull back on the knotted end of the balloon.

8. Hold on for a second and release (make sure you are not aiming at anyone or anything).

9. How far did it go?

10. Are you pretty accurate with your aim?

Extension

Try to make this go farther by changing the angle or trajectory of the launcher. Does this make it go farther or faster? Why or why not? Hmmm, I think this may be the start of a good science air project!

Last call before the southeastern Alberta Regional Science Fair Button Contest closes – deadline has been extended to Jan. 31. Your button design will be featured at the science fair this year and you will win a cash prize. Visit the Praxis website @ http://www.praxismedhat.com/sciencefair for all the details.

Patty Rooks, senior scientific consultant Praxis Science Outreach Society. Praxis is located in the Community Futures Entre Corp Building at #202 556 Fourth St. SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 0K8. For all your science needs, please email praxis@praxismh.ca.

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