How to Get Good Bottle Rocket Fins
Bottle rockets are projects for middle-school aged children. Usually, a science class will make the bottle rockets and set them off during class. When making the rockets at home, having the appropriate materials is a necessity. One item that all bottle rockets need is the fins, which add stability to the rocket during the rocket flight. A good bottle rocket fin is made by hand.
Instructions
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Select a fin material. The best materials are lightweight and easily folded to form the fin. Materials like manila folders or cardboard are ideal for the fins.
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Cut out the fin shape. The fin will fold in half and fold back for small tabs. According to Ask the Van, the shape of the rocket fins are not important as long as the bottle rocket has fins for rocket stability. A triangle shape is usually a good choice. Fold the cut fin in half and fold two small tabs that face outward from the basic fin shape.
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Tape three of these fins to the bottle rocket. Set the fins against the bottle rocket so that the tabs are visible and the fins stick out in a triangle from the bottle rocket. Tape the fins down to hold the fins against the soda bottle. According to Mr. Hayhurst's Bottle Rockets, there should be three fins that are spaced evenly around the bottle.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
