If you’ve visited the Thinkery over the last few weeks, you probably noticed that you can make your own rockets to launch them in Spark Shop. However, the opportunity to explore aerodynamics doesn’t have to stop when you walk out our front doors. You can make stomp rockets at home or play with the one you made at the Thinkery by making your own stomp rocket launcher!
Follow the instructions below to make a Stomp Rocket and Launcher
How To Make A Stomp Rocket Launcher
Materials:
- One empty 2 liter soda bottle
- 12 inch piece of ½” PVC pipe
- Duct tape
- 6” piece of bicycle inner tube that has not been “slimed”. (Ask for used ones at a bike shop- it’s free, and small holes don’t matter!)
Steps:
- Cover about 1-2” of the PVC pipe with the inner tube and tape securely.
2. Attach the other end of the inner tube around the opening of the soda bottle and tape securely.
How To Make A Stomp Rocket
Materials:
- 12 inch piece of ½” PVC pipe
- Sheets of colored paper
- Masking tape
- A cork or bottle cap
- Scissors
Steps:
- Roll a piece of paper around the PVC pipe to make the body of the rocket.
2. Tape the paper to its self and remove the PVC pipe, leaving a paper tube.
3. Use a cork or bottle cap and masking tape to completely seal one end of the paper tube.
4. Use the other colored papers to add fins, wings or a nosecone to help your rocket launch farther.
How to Launch Your Stomp Rocket
Materials:
- Stomp rocket
- Stomp rocket launcher
Steps:
- Place the launcher on the ground in an open area and facing away from people.
- Place the rocket on the open end of the PVC pipe.
- Hold the PVC pipe so that it faces upward.
- Use your hands or your feet to press down in the middle of the soda bottle.
- Blow into the PVC to re-inflate the bottle after each use.
- Make modifications to your rocket to help it fly better and then test your rocket after each additional modification is made.
- When the soda bottle breaks, replace it with a new one.