Bernoulli Air-Vortex Ring Cannon
An engaging, screen-free learning activity that builds real-world creativity and critical thinking for kids aged 7 to 9.
Materials Needed
- • Sturdy 16oz plastic drinking cup (1)
- • Heavy-duty 9-inch or 12-inch latex balloon (1)
- • Thick rubber band (1)
- • Craft scissors (adult supervision for cup hole) (1 pair)
- • Tissue paper target strip (cut into ribbons) (3)
Pro Tips
- → Make sure the round hole cut in the bottom of the cup is clean and smooth—rough edges disrupt the vortex torus.
- → Stretch the balloon rubber taut across the wide top mouth like a drum skin.
- → Light a safe birthday candle or suspend tissue ribbons 2 meters away to show the invisible ring's punch.
Safety First
Adult handles scissors to cut hole in cup bottom. Do not fire directly into human eyes from close range.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Cut a clean, smooth 2cm circular hole directly in the bottom center of the sturdy plastic drinking cup.
Step 2
Tie a knot in the neck of an uninflated balloon, snip off the top rounded half, and stretch the remaining elastic membrane across the wide mouth of the cup.
Step 3
Secure the balloon edge with a tight rubber band, ensuring an airtight seal around the cup rim.
Step 4
Pull back the tied knot and snap it forward to launch invisible high-speed air-vortex rings toward lightweight paper targets 2 meters away.