1. Cut out and shape the rocket body
2. Cut out and tape on the fins
Create a paper rocket that can be launched from a soda straw – then, modify the design to make the rocket fly farther!
See below for materials and step-by-step instructions. For more video tutorials and activities like this one, visit Learning Space.
Watch en Español: Seleccione subtítulos en Español bajo el ícono de configuración.
In this episode of Learning Space, you'll learn how to create a paper rocket that can be launched from a soda straw – then, modify the design to make the rocket fly farther! | Watch on YouTube
Soda straw (plastic or reusable)
Meter stick or measuring tape
Rocket template and data log – download PDF
*Don’t worry if you don’t have all of the materials. Get creative and substitute materials with what you have! It’s all part of the design process.
Carefully cut out the large rectangle on the rocket template. This will be the body of the rocket. Wrap the rocket body around a pencil length-wise and tape it closed to form a tube.
If you’re using a reusable metal straw, check that the diameter of the rocket body fits around the straw. If it’s too narrow, wrap the paper around the metal straw instead of the pencil. The rocket body should be loose enough that it slides off the straw, but not so loose that there are large gaps between the straw and paper.
Measure the nose cone from its base (right where it starts to narrow) to its tip and record the length in your data log and on the rocket itself.
Once completed, the rocket will be about 13 cm (about 5 inches) tall.