STEP 1
Measure the PVC
Measure three 1 foot sections of PVC and one 6 inch section and mark them for cutting.
STEP 2
Cut your PVC
Using a PVC cutter (great tool) or a saw, cut your PVC on your markings. You should now have three 1 foot sections, one 6 inch section, and a long remainder piece.
STEP 3
Cross bars
Add two of the 1 foot sections to opposite sides of the + connector. Then add end caps to the open end of both of those pipes.
STEP 4
The spacer
Plug the 6 inch section of PVC into the + connector and add the L fitting to the other end of the pipe.
STEP 5
Last pipes
To finish the structure, add the last 1 foot long pipe to the L connector and the long pipe to the last end of the + connector. Make sure the L is facing up and perpendicular to the rest of the structure.
STEP 6
Add the bottle
Place the 2 liter bottle over the end of the long pipe and secure it with tape. Make sure to use enough tape to hold it on well and seal the connection.
STEP 7
Roll your rocket
Using an extra piece of PVC pipe (or you can remove the upright launch tube from your launcher temporarily) roll a sheet of paper around it, but not too tightly. Secure the seam with a strip of tape.
STEP 8
Finish your rocket
Pinch one of the ends of your paper tube closed and then wrap it with more tape. Twist the end of the tape to make a pointy nose cone.
Now you can place your rocket onto the launcher and stomp on the bottle to send it soaring into the sky!
WHAT'S NEXT?
Try adding fins to your rockets. How does changing the angles of the fins change the flight? How does a bigger bottle (like a milk bottle) change the rocket’s flight? Try building an altitude tracker to see how high the rockets fly!
Please Note
Your safety is your own responsibility, including proper use of equipment and safety gear, and determining whether you have adequate skill and experience. Power tools, electricity, and other resources used for these projects are dangerous, unless used properly and with adequate precautions, including safety gear and adult supervision. Some illustrative photos do not depict safety precautions or equipment, in order to show the project steps more clearly. Use of the instructions and suggestions found in Maker Camp is at your own risk. Maker Media, Inc., disclaims all responsibility for any resulting damage, injury, or expense.
Things That Go
Stomp Rockets
30 Minutes
TO COMPLETE
WHAT WILL YOU MAKE?
WHAT WILL YOU NEED?
- 5 feet of 1/2 inch PVC pipe
- 2 1/2 inch PVC end caps
- 1 1/2 inch PVC L fitting
- 1 1/2 inch PVC + fitting
- 1 2-liter soda bottle
- Sheets of paper
- Tape
- PVC cutter or saw
- Extra 1 foot piece of 1/2 inch PVC pipe (optional)