Stomp Rockets



Paper Stomp Rockets







 Make a paper rocket and two different types of launchers. The PVC launcher is from Nasa's POP! Rocket Launcher. The second launcher is handheld using a bicycle inner tube and comes from the Exploratorium's Bottle Blast Off Activity Materials for Paper Rocket: • Construction Paper • Printer paper • Tape • Scissors • Folder or index cards • ½” PVC pipe –12 inches in length • Cotton Balls Materials for Handheld Bicycle Tube Launcher: • Bicycle Inner Tube • ½” PVC pipe –12 inches in length • Duct Tape • Scissors • 2 – liter bottle Optional: PVC Cutter Materials for NASA's Pop! Rocket Launcher
• 1 – 5’ length of ½” PVC pipe • 2 – ½” PVC tee connectors • 1 – ½” PVC connector • 2 – ½” PVC caps • Duct Tape • 2 – liter bottle
Paper Rocket Instructions:  To ensure the paper rocket is not too tight on the launcher, we roll printer paper around the 12” PVC pipe and glue or tape it down. Then we take our construction paper and roll it over paper wrapped PVC pipe. Once completely rolled onto the PVC pipe, tape the rolled paper in place along the entire seam. The paper tube should fit snugly on the pipe, but still slide off easily. Remove the PVC pipe. Insert a cotton ball into one end of the paper tube. Place strips of masking tape across the top of the cotton ball. Blow through the open end to feel for any air escaping the nose end. Using folders, card stock or index cards cut out triangle shape for the fins. Place tape on one side of fin and tape near the open end of the paper tube; add tape to the other side of the fin for reinforcement.

Handheld Launcher Instructions:  Cut the inner tube. Stretch one end of the inner tube over the PVC pipe and secure with duct tape. Stretch the other end of the inner tube over the lip of the bottle and tape in place with duct tape.

Launching Rockets with Handheld bicycle tube launcher: Place launcher in an open area, slide paper rocket onto the end of the PVC pipe. Have one person hold the PVC pipe up and away from people; make sure the inner tube is not twisted. Have another person stomp on the middle of bottle.

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