Build your own Straw Rocket

Inspired by the Artemis II Mission

We are all excited about the recent Artemis II launch and what it means for the future of space exploration. Seeing astronauts prepare to travel around the Moon reminds us that the next generation of engineers, scientists, and explorers is sitting right here in our classrooms.

So… why not start now?

In this activity, we’re going to design, build, and launch our own mini rockets using simple materials. This is a fun way to learn how real rockets work and to start thinking like an engineer!

What You’ll Learn

  • How rockets move (thrust and force)
  • How design changes affect flight distance
  • How to test and improve your ideas like a real engineer

Materials You’ll Need

  • Paper (printer paper works great)
  • Scissors
  • Tape
  • Markers or crayons (for decorating)
  • A drinking straw (this is your launcher)
  • A thicker straw or pencil (to help build your rocket)
  • Ruler (optional)

Step 1: Build your rocket body

  1. Take a piece of paper and cut out a rectangle (about 5 x 7 inches works well).
  2. Wrap the paper tightly around a pencil to form a tube.
  3. Tape the edge so it stays rolled.

Step 2: Add Rocket Fins

  1. Cut out 2–3 small triangles from paper.
  2. Tape them near the bottom of your rocket.
  3. Fold each fin so it sticks out from the rocket.
  4. Each fin should be at a right angle (90 degrees) from the next.
  5. When you look at the rocket from the bottom, the fins should form a “+” shape.

Fins help keep your rocket flying straight just like real rockets!

Step 3: Create the Nose Cone

  1. Twist and pinch the top of the rocket body around the tip of the pencil to form a nose cone.
  2. Tape the tip to keep it from untwisting and to make sure no air can escape.

Step 4: Lift Off ! Launch your rocket

  1. Carefully remove the pencil from inside your rocket.
  2. Slide your rocket onto a drinking straw.
  3. Hold the straw in your mouth (or use your hand if preferred).
  4. Take a deep breath and blow through the straw to launch your rocket!!

Step 6: Test and Improve

Now think like an engineer: Did your rocket go far? Did it fly straight?

Try changing one thing at a time:

  • Add bigger fins
  • Make the rocket longer or shorter
  • Adjust the weight

Test again and see what works best!

Lets think about it

  • What made your rocket go farther?
  • Why do rockets need fins?
  • How is this similar to real space rockets like Artemis?

Keep Exploring

Just like NASA engineers, you experimented, tested, and improved your design. That’s exactly how real rockets are built!

Who knows… one day, you might be helping design the next mission to the Moon or even Mars.

The future of space starts with YOU. 🚀

Discover the power of STEM

STEM education goes beyond textbooks and memorization; it embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach that fosters curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Our curriculum seamlessly integrates STEM principles into every facet of learning, empowering students to connect concepts, solve real-world problems, and embrace the challenges of an ever-evolving world.

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