From inspiration of his launch on March 17, 1926, where he accomplished the first flight with a rocket using liquid propellants, we have a fun activity building a rocket.  His rocket, later named “Nell”, achieved a height of 41 feet during a 2.5 second flight, and landed 184 feet from liftoff.  The launch site, once a cabbage field, is now a National Historic Landmark, the Goddard Rocket Launching Site.  Build a Goddard rocket and see if you too can achieve the same lift and landing distance!  Although this rocket does not use liquid fuel like Goddard’s, it is a fun way to explore the science of flight.

Materials (quantity listed is for one rocket, adjust for how many rocket you wish to make):

• 10″ – 14″ of  3/4″ or 3/8″ foam pipe insulation
• 1 zip tie
• 1 foam sheet or meat tray (can also ask local meat department for donations)
• 1 rubber washer (in a pinch soda straw also works)
• 1 #64 rubber band
• dual temp hot glue gun and glue
• scissors or hobby knife
• craft paint (optional)
• paper for record keeping (optional)
• self healing cutting mat (optional)
• altitude tracker (optional)

Procedure:

1.  Explore what different rockets look like, paying close attention to the fins.  See what various rockets launched into space as well as hobby rockets have used as configurations for their fins.  Notice the number, placement and tilt (if any) of the fins.  For each rocket you build, design and test different fin designs to see how they impact flight.
2.  Cut fins out of the foam sheets/meat trays for each design.
3.  Cut the foam insulation rods to lengths of 10″ – 14″.  Test various lengths to see how they impact flight as well!  If your insulation tube has removable strips to seal the opening along the length of the tube, wait to peel those off until a few steps from now.
4.  Depending on the length of your rod, measure 2″ – 3″ from the bottom of your rocket and glue the fins in your planned design to the rocket.  Work around the opening that runs the length of the tube.
5.  Now you want to develop a way to make sure your rubber band does not come out of the top of the rocket. Tie the rubber band around the rubber washer.  If using a straw, tie the straw like a pretzel around the rubber band.  Trim the straw so there is less than an inch on each side of the knot.
6.  Place the washer or straw about 2 inches down from the top of the rocket and have the robber band extend out the top.  You should not be able to see the washer or the straw.
7.  Once you have this in place you can remove the film down the center of the rocket tube and make sure the two sides adequately stick together.
8.  With the rubber band still in place use a zip tie just below the top of the rocket to close the top of the rocket tube.  Tighten the zip tie as much as possible to keep the rubber band from coming out. If the zip tie comes off simply use another one to close the top.  Trim the zip tie as close to the locking part as possible.  To keep it from potentially scratching you, you can cover the zip tie in some hot glue.
9. Decorate your rocket as you wish with craft paint or anything else.  Keep in mind the more it weight will impact flight!
10.  To fly your rocket, place a finger in the rubber band, and pull back from the bottom opening of the rocket tube.  We have found it easiest to hold the end with two fingers: one placed inside the tube and one pinching the outside.  Aim and let go!

To learn even more about your rocket and how it flies, try the following and record your results.  Remember, good scientists repeat their experiments many times to make sure they are getting consistent results, and to weed out any statistical anomalies.

1.  See if you can get your rocket to land on a target!
2.  Develop a record sheet to keep track of your rocket(s) flight.  Think of all the variables you could track and record: weight, distance, angle of launch, rubber band stretch amount, duration of flight, weather conditions, fin design, etc.
3.  Track your maximum altitude with an altitude tracker, or build your own.
4.  Consider what other experiments you can create with your rocket(s)!

Have fun!