3-2-1 Launch!

Purpose: To design, build, and test paper pencil rockets

Materials

• pencil
• tape
• scissors
• paper
• straw
• metric ruler

Procedure

1. Measure and cut a 4 x 28 cm strip of paper.
2. Roll the strip of paper around the pencil. See diagram 1.
3. Tape the paper in place at the top, middle, and bottom.
4. Remove the pencil and cut off the ends of the paper to make them even. See diagram 2.
5. Draw and cut out fins of any shape. See diagram 3.
6. Fold out tabs and tape the fins to the paper tube.
7. Fold over the upper end of the paper tube and tape shut. See diagram 4.
8. Insert a straw and prepare for launch.
9. Predict how far the rocket will fly and record.
10. Designate a starting line and stand behind the line. Blow through the straw to launch the rocket.
11. Use a meter stick to measure the distance that the rocket flew and record in the chart.
12. Repeat steps 8-10. Calculate the average distance that the rocket flew.

 

 

Conclusion

1. Design, build, and test a new rocket or fins.
2. Write a short paragraph describing how you built and flew your rocket. Note any changes that you would make in future new designs.
3. Research the history of rockets and present your findings in the form of a play, poster, newspaper article, oral report, power point presentation