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How to Make a Rocket That Launches

Building model rockets works well as a science project for kids to learn about physics. Many model rocket kits are expensive to purchase from hobby stores and can be difficult to put together. These types of kits can also be dangerous as flammable materials are used to help launch the rocket into the air. These materials may catch fire or burn children. You can make a safe, affordable rocket that launches at home with nonflammable fuel sources.

Things You'll Need

Jar lid
Scissors
35 mm film canister
Cellophane tape
Fizzing antacid tablets

Instructions

- 1
  Take the lid off of a glass jar and place it on a piece of paper. Use a pencil to trace the outline of the jar lid onto the piece of paper. Make a few triangles on the paper also. The circle piece will be the nose of your rocket and the triangles will be made into the rocket's fins.
- 2
  Take an empty film canister with the lid removed and tape the edge of a piece of paper to the canister. Roll the canister up into the sheet of paper. Finish taping the piece of paper to the canister to prevent the paper from coming off.
- 3
  Use scissors to cut out the triangle shapes you made on the other sheet of paper. Use tape to secure them to the canister close to where the lid would be. The body of the rocket is complete. Cut out the circle shape you traced. Use the scissors to make a cut in a wedge shape. Fold the circle to make a cone for the nose of the rocket.
- 4
  Turn the rocket over and fill it a third of the way up with tap water. Put an antacid tablet in the film canister and put the lid on.
- 5
  Put the rocket down on your driveway or on flat pavement. The antacid you placed in the film canister will cause a reaction to take place and the rocket will launch into the air.

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