Easy Straw Rockets

These easy straw rockets make a great indoor activity for a rainy door. They are also great for having rocket races outdoors on sunny days.

 

To make these easy straw rockets, you will need (per person):

• a plastic drinking straw
• ruler
• paper
• scissors
• pencil
• tape

Cut a strip of paper 2 inches (5 centimetres) wide and 8 ½ inches (21.5 centimetres) long.

Place the pencil in the middle of the cut out rectangle and wrap the paper around it. Tape the paper to hold it in place. Slide out the pencil.

Fold one end over and tape. This end will be the nose for your rocket.

 

Cut a triangle from the piece of paper and tape onto the open end of the rocket (not the nose end). This will be the fin for your rocket.

Decorate your rocket with markers.

To send your rocket flying, place the straw in the rocket leaving enough straw to blow with. Take a big breath and launch your rocket!

How does this work?

The force of air getting in the way of your rocket is known as drag.

The weight of your paper and tape will affect how far your rocket will fly. The heavier it is, the more the gravity will drag your rocket down. Try making shorter / lighter or longer/heavier (more/less paper and tape) rockets to see how they are affected.

Just like the fins on a real rocket, the fins on your straw rocket help stabilize the rocket’s flight. The size and design of these fins affect how well it can be controlled. Why not try different shaped /sized fins to see how they go?