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Straw Rocket Building

Straw Rocket Building

Min number of participants 1
Age 8+ yrs.
Safety support by adult Not required
Min duration 30 min.
Cost None (Free)
Environment Indoor / Outdoor

Build a mini rocket from paper and a straw, then blow it into the air to see how far it flies — a hands-on science craft testing aerodynamics through trial, error, and redesign.

The Essentials

Steps

  • Cut a strip of paper about 3 cm wide and 15 cm long
  • Wrap it snugly around a plastic straw and tape the seam so it forms a tube slightly wider than the straw
  • Pinch and tape one end shut to form the rocket's nose
  • Slide the paper tube off the straw so it can fly freely, then slide it back on to launch
  • Fold small paper triangles and tape them near the open end as fins for stability
  • Take a deep breath and blow hard through the straw to launch the rocket

Tips

  • Make the nose cone pointed rather than flat for less air resistance
  • Try adjusting the fin size and position if the rocket veers off course
  • Compare rockets of different lengths and fin shapes to see which flies farthest
  • Blow at different angles to see how launch angle changes distance
  • Keep a few spare straws and paper on hand so kids can quickly rebuild and try again
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