Rocket Launchers

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In this activity, learners work with an adult to build a rocket and launcher out of a plastic 2-liter bottle, flexible plastic hose, plastic tubing, toilet paper tube, and duct tape. Use this stomp rocket activity to demonstrate that air is something, comprised of molecules that, when acted upon, have the power to move things. This activity guide includes an extension activity and related activity for younger learners.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Plastic 2-liter bottle with cap, or 20-oz. plastic bottle with cap
  • Flexible plastic hose (approximately 2.5 feet) with a diameter that will fit snugly around the bottle cap (found in hardware stores)
  • Hard plastic tubing (approximately 2.5 feet) with a diameter of approximately 1.5 inches (found in hardware stores)
  • Toilet paper tube
  • Duct tape
  • Art materials for decorating: markers, paper, foam shapes, colored tape, etc.
  • Saw (adult use only)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Structure
      • Atmosphere
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Aerospace Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
    • Energy
    • Motion and Forces
      • Projectile Motion
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Elementary Particles and Nuclear Physics

Informal Categories

  • Physical Activity
  • Toys

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Chicago Children's Museum, 2010