NASA Straw Rockets

In the wake of COVID-19, so many children are being forced to learn virtually from home. Due to this, integrating science into curriculum is becoming even harder for current teachers. I came across a post by NASA that provided step-by-step instructions for how to build a straw rocket, and it is specially designed for children to do while stuck at home.

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To create my paper rocket that can be launched from a soda straw, I began by gathering my materials: pencil, scissors, tape, plastic straw, meter stick, and rocket template and data log. After printing off the packet provided by NASA, I cut out the provided template and wrapped the body around my pencil. I then added the fins to the base of the paper and bent them to the appropriate angles. I was not quite sure what to expect from this type of rocket, so I was quite excited to test it out.

I marked a designated spot for me to stand at and put the paper rocket on the straw so that I could launch it. After launching and recording the distance my rocket traveled, I planned ways in which I could improve or recreate my rocket so that it could launch farther.

I decided to improve my design by using glue instead of tape for my new designs. For my first new design I made the nose cone shorter, while the second one had a longer nose cone. I also made one that was slightly longer and wider so that it could be launched using three straws rather than one.

Once I recorded my new results, I was very impressed with the data I gathered. This learning experience taught me more about how rockets work, how they can be improved, and in what ways I can implement them into my future classroom’s curriculum; whether it be in person or online.

I highly recommend trying out this activity by clicking the attached link at the top of this post, or visit NASA’s page to check out more fun STEM activities to do at home by clicking here!

Thanks for reading!

Gabby Versace