ROCKETS

CARDBOARD TUBE ROCKETS

My Grandsons glued/taped the nose cones and  the fins to the cardboard tube before painting and adding stickers. The rocket on the right has ignited and flames are coming from the base. We used several coats of tempra paints, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. These rockets are 33 inches high and almost 2 inches in diameter.



ROCKETS THAT LAUNCH
This rocket can be launched. . .for real!

To build your rocket you need: two 2liter pop/soda bottles,
tape, cork stopper and cardboard for fins and funnel.

 With bottle #1, cut 1/4 of the top off to form the cone tip of the rocket. Fit the bottom of bottle #2 the into the #1 bottle. Tape the two bottles together with clear packing tape. Cut three fins from sturdy cardboard and tape to the bottle. Paint the end of your cork stopper with brightly colored paint. When your rocket takes off it can be difficult to find your cork. It never lands in the same place twice.

To Launch: Remove the cork stopper. Holding your rocket upside down pour about 1/2 to 1 cup of vinegar into your rocket, quickly followed by about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of baking soda through the funnel. Working quickly replace the cork stopper, give a quick couple of shakes, set your rocket upright balanced on its fins and stand back. Within only a few seconds the pressure will build up in your rocket forcing the cork out and the rocket upwards. We have had great sucess with some flights reaching about 50 feet in the air.

You may have to do some tweeking with the cork. If it is too lose not enough pressure is able to build before the cork comes out. Your rocket will not reach a desirable height. If your cork is too tight, any amount of pressure will not dislodge it. If this happens simply reach over and pull down on the cork to help it out and your rocket will take off.  

The rocket pictured above has had many flights and is in need of mantainence.



LITTLE BOY MADE AND POWERED