Slingshot Straw Rocket Experiment

To launch, hold the rocket by the straw right below the paper clip or if you leave room on the bottom. Hook the rubber band with the paper clip and pull back. Point it straight up in the air. Never point at other people. As you let go of the rocket, flick the craft stick forward.

The energy the rocket needs for flight comes from the rubber band. Rubber bands are a great example of potential energy. Potential energy is energy that is stored up, not being used, just waiting to be unleashed. Think about when you stretch a rubber band, then let go and it snaps back. It’s using up its potential energy. When potential energy is used up, it becomes kinetic energy—energy in motion.

This transforms the stored energy into the rocket’s motion.