DIY: Paper Tube Launcher | Tinkerer Box Blog

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Paper Tube Launcher

Stem Activities

Ages: 6-8

Less than 30 minutes

Grownup needed

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We love launchers because they're a brilliant way to play with physics! In this project, children can transform a balloon into a stretchy net to launch small balls and knock down targets. While they build their launcher, you can discuss energy transformation with them, such as potential and kinetic energy!

Materials Needed

Paper tube
Balloon
Tape
Paint
Paintbrush
Palette
Small balls
Targets
Scissors

An assortment of craft supplies arranged on a light wood table. These include a cardboard tube, a red paper cup, colorful pom-poms, orange masking tape, a deflated yellow balloon, scissors, a paintbrush, a flower-shaped paint palette, and three small tubes of watercolor paint (green, blue, and yellow). The layout suggests these items are gathered for a specific craft project.

Step-by-step tutorial

Step 1

Paint the paper tube and wait for it to dry.

Two hands are shown above a light wooden surface. One hand holds a pale yellow cardboard tube, while the other hand holds a paintbrush with a blue handle and applies yellow paint to the tube. The focus is on the process of painting the cardboard tube.

Step 2

Use scissors to cut off the inflation end of the balloon.

Two hands are shown cutting a deflated yellow balloon with scissors against a light wooden background. The balloon is being held taut, and the scissors are positioned to cut off the end opposite the opening. The focus is on the action of cutting the balloon as part of a craft or project.

Step 3

Stretch the cut balloon over one end of the paper tube.

Two hands are stretching a piece of yellow balloon material over one end of a cardboard tube against a light wooden background. It appears the balloon material is being used to create a drum-like membrane or covering for the tube.

Step 4

Secure the balloon to the tube with tape, and your launcher is complete.

Two hands hold a pale yellow cardboard tube over a light wooden surface. One hand holds the tube while the other applies a piece of orange masking tape around the top edge. The process of taping the tube is the central focus of the image.

Step 5

Place a pompom 'ammunition' into the tube.

Two hands manipulate a cardboard tube painted pale yellow with an orange band of tape around one end. One hand holds the tube, and the other hand places a bright yellow pom-pom into the open end of the tube, against a light wooden background. The image suggests a crafting activity.

Step 6

Pull back the balloon and release to launch the ball. Set up some targets for your launcher and enjoy the shooting fun!

Hands are using a homemade pom-pom shooter (a painted cardboard tube with a stretched balloon end and orange tape) to aim at a small pyramid of colorful paper cups on a light wooden table. The scene depicts a simple game or activity.

The Science Behind It:

The launcher uses a balloon as its power source. When you stretch the balloon but haven't yet released it, potential energy builds up. When the balloon is released, the stored elastic potential energy quickly converts to kinetic energy, propelling the object (like the small ball) forward. This experiment perfectly demonstrates energy transformation and transfer.

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