Build a Paper Rocket and Paper Launcher

I was looking for a demonstration on air pressure for the Webelos Scientist Activity Badge when I came across this.  Not easy enough for 10 year old boys, so when I had an hour the other day, I brought it out and gave it a try.  The master for the rocket and launch pad are found here:  http://www.groeg.de/puzzles/pdf/rocket.pdf, by a brillant guy called Groeg.  The hardest part was getting the accordion fold right for the billows of the launcher.  Once I figured it out it wasn’t so hard the second time.  So here is how to build a paper rocket and launcher.

Step 1:

Supplies:
Copy of master on regular copy paper, http://www.groeg.de/puzzles/pdf/rocket.pdf
Craft knife
Self-healing mat or glass mat to cut the paper on
Paper glue (I used YES paper glue, it dries flat)
Small paint brush (to spread the paper glue)
Paper clips (you will need them unless you have more than 3 hands to hold things while they dry)
Bone folder (for creasing and folding paper)
Ruler or other straight edge
Clear tape (not shown)

Comments

[OrigamiAirEnforcer]

Could you elaborate on the range?

[craftknowitall]

The original creator said if you did everything perfectly it could go more than 5 meters. Mine made it about 2.2 meters. Not bad, because I know mine wasn't put together perfectly. Here are his directions to how to make it and at the bottom is a list of people who created one and how many meter/feet their rockets went. http://www.groeg.de/puzzles/rocket.html.

[OrigamiAirEnforcer]

Thank you, that was very helpful. :)

[ilpug]

I really want to do this, but with a fireplace bellows.

[craftknowitall]

My only thought would be that the billows would be too powerful, for a paper rocket. When you try it, let me know about the results. Thanks for looking.

[ilpug]

It won't be too powerful, I can overbuild the bellows. I might actually just expand your bellows template and make it out of heavy paper, the cover it in duct tape to make it super strong.

[craftknowitall]

I made it out of card stock and it don't work so well for me. I would love to see your results.

[poofrabbit]

Congratulations on being one of the winners in Scoochmaroo Papercraft Challenge!!

[craftknowitall]

Thank you, I just found out! I am so excited.

[poofrabbit]

OK this is just plain wicked cool! Part of my duties at the camp I work for is overseeing Model rocketry. sometimes the kids how down time while they are waiting on glue to dry. Not anymore!! They are going to make this! Thanks for the great 'able!

[craftknowitall]

You're welcome. Here is another rocket Instructable: http://www.instructables.com/id/Mini-Matchbook-Rockets/, which I have done with Cub Scout age kids and then there are the Alka Seltzer Rockets which I haven't written up yet, but it uses generic Alka Seltzer, water and film canisters that have the lid fit inside the canister, (I think Fugi film. Problem is they are getting harder to find.) 1/4 of a tablet, 1/3 of the canister full of water. Put tablet in the water, put the lid on the canister, put the canister (now a rocket) lid down on a hard surface and step back and wait until the gases that are released by the Alka Seltzer tables build up and boy can that thing fly up into the air. Just ideas.

[poofrabbit]

I love this too, I'll have to write up some safety things for the ACA or there is no way my boss would let me do it! I know it's relatively safe. You aren't kidding finding photo canisters are hard anymore! I did notice when I was making my camp order this year, that Nasco sells them now as an art supply, go figure. Any safety thoughts off the top of your head with the Alka Seltzer rocket?

[craftknowitall]

I would do the match rocket as a demo. Then for the Alka Seltzer rocket,1) Give them time to personalize their rocket with stickers, etc. 2) Have a designated launch pad (a toilet paper tube works) and launch area. 3) You are the fuel dispenser. They come to you or one of your helpers for the water and the 1/4 of a tablet (keep fingers and tablets dry). 4) The take the rocket unassembled to the launch area, add the tablet to the water, put on the lid, put the rocket, lid down, on the launch area/launch pad, 5) and then step 4 steps back and watch.

I remember the first time I did this with Cub Scouts, I kept calling the canister a rocket, and they called it a canister, until the first time it flew. When Cubs was over that day, one had been left behind. About an hour later a Cub came looking for his "Rocket". It's been a success ever since.

Does this help?

[poofrabbit]

This is amazing help thank you so much!

[craftknowitall]

You are welcome.