Make a Super Squirter!

Help your child design his own super-squirter water cannon! The small hole he makes in a simple soda bottle will turn it into a water squirter at a fraction of the cost of those purchased in toy stores. Believe it or not, this entertaining activity will also teach him about science! When he takes his thumb off the hole, he will encounter the power of air pressure as the air pushes on the rubbery walls of the balloon, causing high-powered water to shoot out of a hole in the bottle cap.

What You Need:

• Nail and hammer (to make holes)
• Plastic soda bottle (the bigger the better)
• Balloon
• Water
• Someone willing to get soaked

What to Do:

1. Help your child make a nail hole at the bottom of the bottle.
2. Make a nail hole in a bottle cap and put the cap aside for now.
3. Have your child dangle a balloon inside the bottle. Help him stretch the mouth of the balloon over the mouth of the bottle and fill the balloon with water.
4. While the water is still flowing, and when the balloon is full, he should put his thumb over the nail hole.
5. Turn off the water.
6. While your child is still holding his thumb on the hole, carefully place the cap on the bottle and tighten it.
7. Go outside (preferably with someone who is ready to get wet).
8. Ready? Aim! Have him take his thumb off the hole!