With my class, we built air pressure rockets to get used to the idea of iterative design (Think, Make, Improve) These rockets are great because they can be made quickly with cheap materials, however, a lot of variables can be adjusted to improve the success of each rocket.
With this project the idea is for students to build successive prototypes in order to create a rocket that will fly as high as possible. With my students I keep the instructions really simple.
1) Your rocket has to fit snugly on the launcher.
2) It must have a cork in one end (this helps to prevent air from escaping)
3) Mass and aerodynamics are important to consider.
4) You can make as many prototypes as you need to but please re-use your cork.
For younger students I provide a template (printed on cardstock) which limits potential variables. Using this template students are able to choose their fuselage length, number and shape of stabilizers and nose cone size.
Click here for student centered instructions.
Sample Rockets
PVC Launcher
The launcher is constructed from 1/2 inch PVC (it should fit snugly in the mouth of a 2L pop bottle). A two foot section and a six foot section are connected with a PVC elbow and glued with contact cement. Using a threaded elbow will allow you to unscrew the two parts making storage easier.
More detailed instructions can be found here.
More detailed instructions can be found here.
Template for Younger Students
rocket_template.pdf |