Here's a simple toy that we made today using some strong tape, a balloon and the cardboard core of a toilet roll. A balloon cannon that shoots tiny projectiles at low speeds.
It demonstrates the conversion of elastic potential energy to kinetic energy. As a learning activity, I asked them to try out different projectiles and ways to modify the cannon in order to increase the range and to try to explain what they observed.
After tying a knot on the balloon, I cut it across its width at about the halfway mark. The top half can be discarded. Then, the bottom half (where the knot is) is taped to the cardboard tube.
It works by placing the projectile (such as a small ball) into the tube, holding it slanted with the opening facing upwards. Pulling the end of the tied-up balloon and releasing it sends the projectile flying.
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