Welcome to Steve Spangler Science. Skip directly to: main content, navigation, search box.

Potato Gun Launcher A clear plastic version of the classic potato gun.
print this page

Potato Gun Launcher


Delivery Truck Usually ships out the next day

Recommended Ages

10 years & up with adult supervision

$16.95

Potato Gun Launcher
Item #: WPTG-400
In Stock

Steve Spangler featured this version of the potato gun on the Ellen DeGeneres Show

A clear plastic version of the classic potato gun, so students can see where the potato plugs are until the very last second and then-POWEE! This science demonstration only uses the power of compressed air to demonstrate Boyle's Law... unlike other "potato guns" which use flammable liquids to create an explosion to launch the potato - this is not recommended! Fun way to demonstrate Boyle's Law.

**Please note that this is not a toy, but the demonstration is safe (and very cool!) when performed by a responsible adult.**

What's included?

The potato gun comes in two pieces:

  • 1 Clear plastic tube measuring 17 inches long
  • 1 Plunger with rubber stopper measuring 20 inches long

How does it work?

Plug both ends of the clear plastic tube with piece of potato. Use the "plunger" to compress the air trapped between the two pieces of potato. As the volume of air between the potato plugs decreases, the built up pressure increases. Watch out... the top potato will come flying out of the tube.

What does it teach?

The Potato Gun is an excellent demonstration of the Boyle Law, the Kinetic Theory of Gases, and Newton's Laws of Motion. This proves beyond all doubt that learning about science can be fun!

Product FAQ

  • Is this safe for children?
    The potato gun requires adult supervision.  You are essentially firing 2 inch (5 cm) long potato pieces through the air and whenever anything flies with some velocity, there is always the danger that someone may get hurt.
  • Does it come with the potatoes?
    No, we are leaving that up to you.  The bigger, the better.