Rudolf Racing

Time for a fun experiment to learn about Newton's 3rd Law of Motion. What is this 3rd law you ask? Check out this video to learn all about it!

Now that you know Newton's 3rd Law, let's use it by racing two balloons in a Rudolf Race!

What You'll Need:

2 Balloons
String or Yarn
Scissors
Tape
1 Straw
Pencil
Supplies to decorate your reindeer
Clip (optional)

Step 1:

Cut your straw into 2 inch segments (you will need 2).

Step 2:

Blow up your balloon, but do not tie it. Use a clip or a friend to hold in the air of your balloon.

Decorate your balloon to look like a reindeer or any other fun character you can imagine.

Tape on your straw segment in the middle of your balloon with the end of the straw facing the bottom of the balloon.

Step 3:

Cut two long segments of your string or yarn (the thinner your string/yarn, the better).

Thread your string through your straws that are taped on your reindeer.

Step 4:

Tie your string/yarn to two chairs or other objects around your house. Make sure your string is tight.

Step 5:

Blow up your balloons and on the count of 3 let them go! See which reindeer wins and then make some predictions why one is faster than the other. My winner was obvious! Was yours? Keep changing your design to find one that is the best!

Thanks to the following website for the idea for this STEAM activity: https://www.steampoweredfamily.com/education/rudolf-balloon-race/