Put some real energy into this Valentine’s Day experiment
Ican hardly believe February is just around the corner. Of course, Valentine’s Day is synonymous with the month of February. For many of us, this will likely be another holiday that is a bit different from years past, but on the bright side it is always nice to try new things.
Why not try a science-themed Valentine’s Day? I think it could be A LOT of fun. Let’s get started!
Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.
Materials
• Empty toilet tissue roll
• Balloon
• Tape
• Markers, stickers or crayons (to decorate)
• Pencil or pen
• Paper
• Scissors
Procedure
• Decorate your empty cardboard tube to make it your own. Use markers or stickers.
• Tie a knot in the end of the balloon (do NOT blow it up).
• Using the scissors, about 1/2cm off of the other/large end of the balloon.
• Pull the cut end of the balloon over the cardboard tube.
• Make sure you tape the balloon securely in place. Use lots!
• Using a SMALL scrap of paper, write a “Love Note” to someone you care about. Fold the note up so it will fit in the cardboard tube.
• Pull back on the knot of the balloon. • Carefully aim it in a safe location near the person the note is for.
• Let go.
What is going on?
In this experiment you are exploring several concepts in physics. By pulling the balloon back, you are building up some potential energy. The launcher then converts the potential energy into kinetic energy as your “Love Note” flies through the air toward your Valentine!
I hope everyone is thinking about their science fair projects for the Regional Science Fair. If you are in need of a little extra help, visit the Praxis website for a really useful “How-to manual” you can download!
Patty Rooks, Senior Scientific Consultant PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community”. Contact Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, www.praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook. Address: #12 826 11 Street S. E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1T7 Phone: 403.527.5365, email: praxis@praxismh.ca.