science project- similar to mouse trap?

Question

I have to do a science project that is similar to mouse trap- an action triggers another and so on, until the end, where I have to pop a balloon. I'm running out of ideas!! help! Requirements: 1. pop a balloon at the end of the trial 2. 4 energy forms must be used throughout project (mechanical- hitting things to tip them over etc) (electromagnetical- friction etc) (thermal- using heat to trigger an action) (electrical- idk what to do here!) whoever is most helpful will get 10 points, and please don't post any rude answers about "do your own science project". Ideas so far: marble rolling down a tube, which hits a dixie cup filled with water, pouring the water onto a paper towel with a golf ball sitting on it (water causes paper towel to tear), golf ball falls in a cup, which triggers a pully thing...ideas after pully? thanks!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Think about working backward from the final event (popping a balloon) . Adding your trigger events (Tasks) backwards is easier to think of what action can be done to accomplish that task and build a sequence.

i.e. pop a balloon by:
a.) using a pin
b.) over inflating
c.) exposing to a flame

Then for each one
So for action "A" above think how a pin could be driven into a balloon

Pin into baloon:
a.) attached to seesaw lever
b.) blow gun
c.) drop onto baloon

As you write these items down you will think of way to accomplish each task. You will also realize somethings are easier to do than others. Like using a pin to pop a balloon vs lighting a flame.

So that is how you can start to assemble a sequence... here are some vauge ideas.

Dominos trigger a mousetrap
Steel ball rolling down a ramp completing a circuit at end
Bucket filled with water - removing a cork/plug at bottom
Bucket tied to rope over pulley to weight or another trigger
Trigger toy dart gun
Teather ball wound on a pole
Weight swing on a rope/string
marble rolls
electric fountain pump empties or fills container shifting balance
burning a string with a candle
pulling a toy car with a string to position something mounted on car (like a candle)
An ax pivoting down on to a taught string against a cutting board to cut it
Chemical reaction (baking soda & vinegar / mentos and coke)
Fan blowing onto someting like a sail

Answer 2

Mouse Trap Science Project

Answer 3

That is refered to as a Rube Goldberg machine. there are several videos and descriptions available on the web for ideas

Answer 4

Mythbusters did a similar experiment go to the discovery channel website to look at their machine.