| Use
from Refuse-Stomp Rockets
Materials:
One 9" to 15" length of 1/2" thick-walled PVC sprinkler pipe, one sheet
of notebook paper for each rocket, two liter soda bottle, cork, Scotch
tape, masking or duct tape |
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Instructions: Making
a rocket:
- Place
the paper on the desk in front of you. Secure the top edge down to the
desk with Scotch tape. Pull the paper up and flip it over so the sticky
side of the tape is up. Place the PVC pipe at the bottom of the paper
and start rolling it upward, wrapping the paper around it. Roll it over
the taped end so that the tape holds the paper together in the shape
of a cylinder.
- Slide
the paper cylinder off the pipe and place the cork in one end of the
paper cylinder. Tape the cork in place so that it will not pop off.
- Optional:
Cut triangles out of heavy paper and tape on the non-corked end of the
paper cylinder to make two or three fins. Decorate the fins with stars,
your name, or a design.
Making
the Launcher:
- Slide
the PVC pipe into the soda bottle. Be sure to leave at least 8" of the
pipe outside of the bottle.
- Tape
the pipe to the neck of the bottle with masking or duct tape. This prevents
the pipe from moving and helps prevent air leaks.
Launching
the Rocket:
DO NOT AIM THE ROCKET AT ANYBODY.
- Slide
the paper cylinder rocket onto the launcher.
- Hold
at waist level, aiming away.
- Squeeze
as hard and fast as you can!
OR
-
Slide the rocket onto the launcher.
-
Place the launcher on the ground with the PVC pipe pointing in the direction
of your target.
- Stomp
on the bottle. The stomping action will cause the rocket to point upward
and fly!
 
Discussion:
By squeezing the bottle or stomping on it, you reduce its volume which
causes an increase in pressure of the air inside the bottle. This results
in a force on the rocket which causes it to launch. |
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