What Kids Are Learning
Children can explore the principles of force, motion, and energy as they build and use their marshmallow shooters. They learn about potential and kinetic energy when they stretch the shooter and release it to propel the marshmallow. This is a really fun toy. My daughter played with it for days!
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What You Need
Pompom Shooter Materials- 1 plastic cup
- 1 balloon
- pompom, mini marshmallows or scrunched paper balls
- scissors
- tape
How To Make A Pompom Shooter – STEAM Activity
- Cut the bottom part of a plastic cup.
STEAM Activity – Pompom Shooters Cut the Cup - Cut off the neck or narrow top part of the balloon. You will be using the wider, open end of the balloon for the shooter.
STEAM Activity – Pompom Shooters Cut the Balloon - Take the open end of the balloon and stretch it over the open end of the plastic cup. Make sure it fits securely and is airtight.
STEAM Activity – Pompom Shooters Put Balloon Over the Cup - Tape the balloon to the cup so that the balloon stays securely attached to the cup.
STEAM Activity – Pompom Shooters Tape the Balloon and the Cup - Place a pompom or a marshmallow inside the balloon and hold it.
- Pull the balloon back like you’re stretching a slingshot.
STEAM Activity – Pompom Shooters Have Fun - Have fun!
Variations & Challenges
- Try different materials as balls such as scrunched paper towel balls or ping pong balls.
- Experiment with different amounts of air in the balloon and how far you stretch it to see how it affects the distance the marshmallow can travel!
- Do games! See who can shoot the farthest or who can get the pompom in the basket using a pompom shooter.
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