Build your own high-flying rockets using simple materials to explore the physics of flight. Learn how air pressure and angles affect how far and high your rocket can travel!

Tools

• scissors
• ruler
• tape dispenser
• markers (assorted colors, 1 pack)

Materials

• plastic drinking straws (standard size, 5)
• cardstock or heavy paper (8.5 x 11 inch, 3 sheets)
• clear adhesive tape (1 roll)
• modeling clay or play-dough (2 oz)
• rubber bands (small, 5)

Safety

• Adult supervision required when using scissors.
• Never aim rockets at people, pets, or fragile objects.
• Be mindful of surroundings when launching rockets outdoors.
• Adult supervision required for sharp objects.
• Rubber bands can snap. Wear eye protection if launching projectiles.
• Adult supervision required for children under 8.

Steps

1. Cut a piece of cardstock into a rectangle approximately 2 inches wide and 6 inches long to serve as the rocket body.
2. Roll the cardstock rectangle tightly around a drinking straw to create a tube, then secure the seam with a small piece of clear tape. Ensure the tube can slide easily on and off the straw.
3. Slide the tube off the straw and fold over one end of the tube, sealing it completely with tape to create a nose cone. This prevents air from escaping the top.
4. Use a small pea-sized amount of modeling clay to plug the sealed end of the rocket tube, adding weight to the nose for better stability.
5. Cut two small triangles out of the remaining cardstock to act as fins and tape them to the bottom of the rocket tube, spacing them evenly apart.
6. Decorate your rocket using markers to give it a unique design.
7. Slide the completed rocket tube onto a fresh drinking straw (the launcher).
8. Hold the straw at different angles (45 degrees, 90 degrees) and blow a quick, sharp burst of air into the straw to launch the rocket.
9. Experiment by changing the amount of clay in the nose or the size of the fins to see how it affects the flight distance.