Introduction: How to Make a Matchbook Rocket
This is a fun little demonstration for Newton's Third Law of Motion. Since we are using fire, the usual precautions should apply. Fire the rockets outdoors, pointing away from people or pets. Here we go!
Step 1: Mini Matchbook Rockets
Supplies:
paper clip
matchbook matches
wood matches
foil
straight pins
Step 2:
Step 1: Bend the paper clip into a rocket launcher, set aside.
Step 3:
Step 2: Tear a match from the match book, and place it on a piece of 1 ½ inch by 1 inch foil.
Step 4:
Step 3: Fold the foil in half, down over the top of the match. Stick the straight pin, point toward the match head, along the stem of the match.
Step 5:
Step 4: Roll the foil along the length of the match. Make it tight.
Step 6:
Step 5: Remove the straight pin.
Step 7:
Step 6: Pull the stem of the match down a little and pinch the head of the foil tightly together. If you don’t do this, the gases released by the match head will go out the top of the foil instead of the nozzle hole created by the straight pin.
Step 8:
Not a very big fire show, but what did you expect from a Mini Rocket!
Participated in the
The Mad Science Fair
Participated in the
Pocket-Sized Contest