ALL ABOARD: WE’RE GATHERING STEAM

Source: The Spruce Crafts

Make your very own New Year’s Eve confetti launcher!

Materials

• Toilet paper tubes
• Printed or colourful scrapbook paper
• Balloons
• Packing or masking tape
• Glue or tape
• Paper confetti and/or large flake glitter

Directions

• Start off by putting a knot at the end of the balloon in the neck. Using your scissors, cut off the top of the balloon. (Be sure to remove any pieces of balloon and get rid of them immediately as these tiny pieces can be choking hazards for kids or pets.)
• Stretch the balloon over one end of the toiler paper roll until it’s taut over the opening. Pull the rest of the balloon up over the roll until it lays completely flat.
• To secure the balloon you’ll want to wrap a piece of masking tape around the tube and the edge of the cut balloon. Don’t be afraid to wrap extra tape around the top. Smooth and push down on the tape to make sure there’s a tight seal. Don’t skip this step because pulling on the balloon is how the confetti gets released into the air.
• To add a decorative touch, cover the outside of the toilet paper tube with fun printed paper. Measure and cut the paper to the size of the tube, wrap around the tube, and then secure with tape or glue.
• Get your confetti and add two tablespoons of it to the inside of the tube.
• When the moment is right, grab and pull the knot on the balloon to release the confetti into the air. Yay!

Spark Creative Learning!

Even though we can’t see the air, we can see the effect it has on objects around it. Think about how air moves objects like leaves, windmills, and so much more. Can your kids think of machines and tools that use moving air to get work done?