Stomp rockets are an extraordinarily inexpensive, successful and fun projects. You use compressed air from stomp on a bladder to launch the rockets well over 100 feet. After buying a few materials to make/adapt a launcher and pvc pipe for rocket body forms, you only need tape and recycled paper. Materials: - Stomp Rocket kit - for bladder - 1/2 inch PVC pipe for launcher and rocket forms Ideally, it is great to have a class set of 14 inch tubes for making rockets. - 1/2 inside diameter flexible tubing - hardware store - An old tripod or other stand to hold the launcher - 8 1/2 by 11 recycle copy paper - masking tape.
Build a launcher
Make a rocket
The paper should be relatively snug, but should move easily up and down the pipe. Tape it near the top and bottom. Do not tape the ends.
Slide the paper up on the pipe and fold over about 1 1/2 inches. This seals the rocket body.
Snugly tape the folded end. It takes a lot of pressure. Make sure it is well taped.
Cut out equal sided triangles from manila folders or cardstock. Playing cards also make good fins.
Place tape along the edge that will attach to the rocket body.
Keep the rocket tube on the pipe so you can push on it without collapsing the tube. Put the fin on the rocket. Use your fingernail to push along the line where the fin meets the body. Then push down on the rest of tape.
Raise the fin so it sticks up 90 degrees to the body. Place tape on the other side, Again, push along the fin/body joint to form a tight joint that keeps the fin from flapping about.
Your rocket is complete. You can add more fins. You can shape the wings to make the rocket spiral.
Hint: Large wings don't work! Too much resistance.