How to Build Toy Flying Rockets
Flying things catch children's imaginations like little else. You can make your own foam rockets that are reasonably safe to use from items found at craft and hardware stores. These rockets are propelled by a rubber band, so there are no dangerous compounds to use to achieve lift-off. Kids can easily build these toy flying rockets themselves with little adult supervision, or they can be made for younger kids who won't have any difficulty launching them themselves.
Things You'll Need
- Foam insulation tube
- Craft foam
- Glue
- Scissors
- Large rubber band
- Cable tie
Instructions
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1
Cut an 8-inch length from the foam insulation tube. Make sure to purchase tubing from a hardware store that is not pre-split.
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2
Place the cable tie through the rubber band and tighten the tie around the end of the tubing, approximately 1/2 inch from the end. Pull it as tight as you can, then clip off the excess cable.
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3
Cut a 1/2 inch wide strip from the craft foam and wrap it around the cable tie, gluing in place. This will keep the tie from poking you.
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4
Cut three triangles from the craft foam, each about 2 inches long. Glue them around the other end of the tube to make the fins on your rocket.
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5
Slip the rubber band over your thumb. Pull back the rocket with the other hand holding it by the fins. Stretch the band as far as you can, then let go of the rocket. The rocket will fly.
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Tips & Warnings
Decorate your rocket with craft foam or foam markers. The fins can also be made from thin cardboard.
Never aim the rocket at anyone's face.
