Stomp Rockets

TIME TO COMPLETE

30 min. to an hour

WHAT WILL YOU MAKE?

You will learn to precisely measure and cut PVC to create a launched for rockets. You will also learn to design a rocket using paper and tape.

WHAT WILL YOU NEED?

Other Materials
PVC pipe
Upcycled / Recycled materials

STEP 1

Measure the PVC

Measure three 1 foot sections of PVC and one 6 inch section and mark them for cutting.

STEP 2

Cut your PVC

Using a PVC cutter (great tool) or a saw, cut your PVC on your markings. You should now have three 1 foot sections, one 6 inch section, and a long remainder piece.

STEP 3

Cross bars

Add two of the 1 foot sections to opposite sides of the + connector. Then add end caps to the open end of both of those pipes.

STEP 4

The spacer

Plug the 6 inch section of PVC into the + connector and add the L fitting to the other end of the pipe.

STEP 5

Last pipes

To finish the structure, add the last 1 foot long pipe to the L connector and the long pipe to the last end of the + connector. Make sure the L is facing up and perpendicular to the rest of the structure.

STEP 6

Add the bottle

Place the 2 liter bottle over the end of the long pipe and secure it with tape. Make sure to use enough tape to hold it on well and seal the connection.

STEP 7

Roll your rocket

Using an extra piece of PVC pipe (or you can remove the upright launch tube from your launcher temporarily) roll a sheet of paper around it, but not too tightly. Secure the seam with a strip of tape.

STEP 8

Finish your rocket

Pinch one of the ends of your paper tube closed and then wrap it with more tape. Twist the end of the tape to make a pointy nose cone. Now you can place your rocket onto the launcher and stomp on the bottle to send it soaring into the sky!

WHAT'S NEXT?

Try adding fins to your rockets. How does changing the angles of the fins change the flight? How does a bigger bottle (like a milk bottle) change the rocket’s flight? Try¬†building an altitude tracker¬†to see how high the rockets fly!

Please Note

Your safety is your own responsibility, including proper use of equipment and safety gear, and determining whether you have adequate skill and experience. Power tools, electricity, and other resources used for these projects are dangerous, unless used properly and with adequate precautions, including safety gear and adult supervision. Some illustrative photos do not depict safety precautions or equipment, in order to show the project steps more clearly. Use of the instructions and suggestions found in Maker Camp is at your own risk. Maker Media, Inc., disclaims all responsibility for any resulting damage, injury, or expense.