Build a water balloon launcher

What can we use instead of rubber bands or a spoon if we can't find them?

If you can't find rubber bands or a spoon, use 2–3 elastic hair ties or a short piece of surgical tubing linked together as the stretchy launch band and swap the spoon for a sturdy plastic ladle or small wooden scoop while using a broom handle or wooden dowel as the stick.

What should we do if the rubber bands keep slipping or the water balloon pops before launch?

If the stretchy rubber bands slip off the string anchor or the balloon bursts, tighten the anchor knot about 5 centimeters from the spoon, add an extra rubber band wrapped around the spoon handle and stick to secure the spoon, and avoid overfilling the water balloon so it sits snugly in the spoon bowl.

How can we adapt this activity for younger children or older kids?

For younger children have the adult handle the pulling and releasing steps with only one linked rubber band and a half-filled water balloon for lower power, while older kids can assemble the spoon and linked-band launcher themselves, experiment with more linked rubber bands, and accurately measure distances with the measuring tape or ruler.

How can we improve or personalize the water balloon launcher beyond the basic build?

Personalize the launcher by decorating the stick and spoon with waterproof paint or tape, add a small cardboard sight near the 5-centimeter anchor knot for better aiming, set up numbered ground targets and mark distances with the marker and measuring tape or ruler, then share results on DIY.org.