Get first hand experience in rocket building and motion through an easy-to-follow picture and word-based directions sheet. Here, learners build a paper rocket by wrapping and taping paper strips around a pencil, and then launching their creation using a straw.

Concepts

rockets, motion, crafts

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Launch the rockets and measure their distance to incorporate a learning competition
• Experiment with fin design; invite scholars to try different fin designs and test which one allows the rocket to fly the farthest 
• Schedule time to visit the library or download books about rockets that pupils can browse

 

Classroom Considerations

• Establish rules and expectations regarding the paper rockets in order to maintain a safe environment
• Strips of paper, straws, pencils, scissors, and tape are required to complete the activity
• Consider cutting the strips of paper ahead of time

Pros

• The building aspect and creativity enhances class engagement

Cons

• The rocket's fin design is not provided; create a fin stencil scholars can trace or guide them through the drawing and cutting process
• These rockets are small as they are built using a writing pencil