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Make a paper rocket
and see how high it flies.

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One
sheet of 8 1/2" x 11" paper (can be printed on one side) |
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30
cm length of PVC pipe or any tube with a 1/2" diameter |
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Scissors |
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Clear
tape |
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Card
stock (or any stiff paper, such as used file folders or 3" x
5" cards) |
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Markers |


Roll
a sheet of 8 1/2" x 11" paper into a cylinder that will fit
over the tube. The paper should not be tight around the PVC pipe, but
should be able to slide off easily. Tape your paper tube so it stays rolled
up, and slip it off the PVC pipe. Put the PVC pipe aside.
You can roll your
sheet of paper the long way or the short way.

With scissors, clip
the end of the tube to make it pointed. Use tape to seal the point so
its airtight. This will be the "nose" of the rocket.

Rocket fins will help
your rocket fly straight. Fins are usually triangular shapes. Cut fins
from a 3" x 5" card or some other stiff paper. Heres one
way to cut them from a 3" x 5" card.
Fold the card in half
to make a short rectangle. Unfold it and cut along the fold line.

Stack the two halves of the card. Draw a line from one corner of the folded
rectangle to the other. Cut along the line youve drawn and youll
have four fins.


Tape the fins to the sides of the rocket at the base. Be sure to tape
both sides of the fin to the rocket.

Use a marker to write your name on the side of your rocket.

Building
a Rocket Launcher
For tips on
how to use this trick with a class or group, go to the Teacher/Leader
version |