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How to Make a Paper Rocket That Blasts Off

Model rockets need not burn toxic or explosive chemicals to achieve flight. Simple rockets can simply harness the power of compressed air to attain heights of up to 100 yards. By quickly releasing the pressure in a pump or similar device, the expanding air exerts a force than can be channeled to propel an object upwards. In this case, the rocket can be made from ordinary, lightweight paper and other household supplies.

Things You'll Need

8 1/2 x 11 inch sheet of paper
24-inch length of half-inch diameter PVC pipe
Clear tape
Scissors
Ruler
Pencil

Instructions

- 1
  Roll an 8 1/2 x 11 inch sheet of paper around a half-inch PVC pipe, then tape it together at the seam. Set aside, leaving the pipe inside the paper for support.
- 2
  Cut a half-circle shape from another sheet of paper.
- 3
  Curl the corners of the half-circle in towards each other until they overlap, rolling the paper into a nose cone that matches the diameter of the body of the rocket. Use clear tape to hold in place.
- 4
  Mount the nose cone atop the body tube with more tape. Trim off excess paper and tape to prevent drag.
- 5
  Trace fin shapes with pencil on more sheets of paper, cut them out and secure them to the aft end of the rocket with tape.
- 6
  Slide out and remove the PVC pipe from within the rolled-up paper.

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