Day 2: Rocket Build
STEP 1: Now that you’ve explored Newton’s Laws and how motion works, it’s time to apply that knowledge to your rocket build. Today’s class is an important part of your mission—you’ll design and test the body of your rocket to make sure it’s stable, airtight, and ready for launch. As you work, think about the laws of physics that help rockets fly, like Newton’s Third Law, and also the forces that try to slow them down, like air resistance. Your goal is to create a rocket that takes full advantage of what you’ve learned about motion and force. To get inspired before you start building, watch the SpaceX flight test video below and imagine what’s possible.
STEP 2: Although the launcher in the video is different from ours, watch the video carefully to get a general idea of how to build your rocket.
STEP 3: It’s time to build your rocket! The steps below (and associated image) are just suggestions—don’t be afraid to get creative and make changes. You’re the engineer, so feel free to adjust and modify your design as you go.
- Gather your materials: paper or cardstock, tape, scissors, a fuselage template, materials for weight (paperclips, pennies, etc.) and markers if you want to decorate.
- Wrap the paper around the template to make the rocket’s body and tape it closed.Slide it off the template.
- Make a nose cone by cutting a circle, slicing a line to the middle, and overlapping the edges to form a cone shape. Tape this to the top of your rocket.
- Cut three or four fins and tape them evenly around the bottom. These will help your rocket fly straight.
- If you have time, decorate your rocket to make it your own.
STEP 4: Now it’s time to test your rocket build. This part of the process is all about prototyping—launching, observing, and improving your rocket based on how it performs.
- Start by setting up the stomp rocket launcher in an open area with plenty of space.
- Carefully place your rocket onto the launcher tube, making sure it fits snugly. When you’re ready, step back, aim, and stomp on the airbag to launch your rocket into the air.
- As your rocket flies, focus on how well the physical build is holding up. Don’t worry about how far it goes. Instead, pay attention to whether your rocket stays stable, holds its shape, remains airtight, and survives the stomp without falling apart.
- After each launch, check the nose cone, fins, and body for damage or loose parts. Make small adjustments—like taping seams, changing fin placement, or reinforcing weak areas—and then test again. Your goal is to create a rocket that can handle multiple launches while staying stable and well-built.
Keep iterating and improving! Once you have arrived on a build that is suitable for your mission, take a clear picture of it and upload using the QR code below. In the “Subject” area, include your first name and/or your team members’ names. Click here to see all uploaded summaries.
