How to Make a Paper Rocket for an Air Pressurized Launcher

Paper rockets are a fun way to experiment with science and Newton's three laws of motion without the fire and sulfur of solid fuel model rockets. Plus, air is free so you can launch your air rocket over and over until the paper wears out, and then make another one.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 8½ by 11 inch construction paper
• Air pressurized launcher
• Tape
• Pencil
• 8½ by 5½ inch construction paper
• Scissors

1. Roll and tape an 8½ by 11 inch piece of construction paper into a tube that slides over the air pressurized launcher. It shouldn't be too tight but the gap should be no more than ¼ inch.

2. Draw a circle with a 3 inch diameter and two trapezoids with a height of 1½ inches, top base of 1 inch and bottom base of 3 inches, on an 8½ by 5½ piece of construction paper.

3. Cut out the circle and trapezoids.

4. Wrap the circle into a cone shape by cutting it from outside to center then overlapping the edges. The base of the cone should be slightly bigger than the diameter of the body tube. Tape it well to the top of the body tube.

5. Fold the sides of the trapezoids to create triangles that stick out. These are the fins. Tape the trapezoids on opposite sides of the bottom of the body tube.

Tips & Warnings

• Explore different fin patterns and nose cone sizes.
• To avoid drag, check that the rocket has no tape bumps or paper edges sticking out.
• Don't put tape over the opening at the bottom.

Resources

• Air rockets and computer animated launch.

[malenia]

on 9/19/2008 okkkkkkk watevea