Make an air rocket at home … we are a go for launch!
While checking out Steve Spangler’s blog while reading up on the Mentos-pop geyser post, I saw that one of his fun things to do is to make simple rockets with school classes. The instructions are in this PDF file (PVC Rocket Launchers), and while this isn’t a "just whip these up in a second" kind of experiment, they look fun. I think a trip to the hardware store might be in order soon. Looks like the toughest part is making the launcher, but that’s a one-time thing. The rockets seem easy enough that kids can make them. Sounds like summer fun to me!
Making rockets are great because you can talk about pressure, aerodynamics, friction, inertia, lots of fun stuff. When I was a kid I had a bunch of the air-water rockets. These are the kind you put some water in, pump up with a hand-held pump, and launch. Very much, though you do get a might damp.
If you’d like to gear up for summer these books by Janice VanCleave books
Tags: homemade rockets, Steve Spangler, rocketry
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