Ingredients
- 4 paper drinking straws, 9 inches long and about 1/4 inch wide
- 4 sheets of lightweight cardstock, 8.5 by 11 inches, in assorted colors
- 1 sheet of cardstock for fins, 8.5 by 11 inches
- 1 small bottle of washable liquid school glue, about 4 fluid ounces
- 1 pencil, standard writing pencil
- 1 ruler, at least 12 inches long
- 1 pair of child-safe scissors or craft scissors
- 1 sheet of scrap paper, at least 12 by 18 inches
- 1 roll of painter’s tape, 1 inch wide (optional)
- 4 small paper clips (optional)
- 1 washable marker set, 8 to 12 colors (optional)
- 1 table covering, at least 24 by 36 inches
Instructions
- Cover your work surface with scrap paper or a recycled grocery bag.
- Set out the supplies including straws, cardstock, fin paper, pencil, ruler, scissors, glue, tape, clips, and markers.
- Use the ruler and pencil to mark four rectangles that measure 6 inches by 3 inches on the colored cardstock, then cut them out.
- Wrap each cardstock rectangle around a straw to form a loose tube, ensuring it can slide out freely.
- Add glue along the final edge of the paper and press the seam closed, holding it for about 20 seconds.
- Slide the paper tube slightly off the straw and fold the open end flat, then fold down the last 1/2 inch twice and glue closed.
- Allow the glued noses to dry for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Draw 8 small fins, each about 1 inch tall and 1.5 inches long on the extra cardstock and cut them out.
- Glue two fins to each rocket, placing them near the lower third and opposite each other.
- Use washable markers to decorate the rockets, ensuring the open end remains clear.
- Test the fit of each rocket over the corresponding straw.
- Choose a safe launch area and aim down a clear path, launching by blowing gently through the straw.
- Compare the flights of each rocket and make adjustments if necessary.
Notes
Ensure adult supervision when children are handling scissors and during the launch setup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
