Straw Rockets

Overview

The straw rocket project is a design based STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) project developed as an introduction to the engineering design process. As is the case with many projects in Tech, the design must meet the specified criteria and constraints. Students receive a set amount of materials to work with after completing research and brainstorming. The rockets are powered by a blast of air and are tested in the Tech Ed hallway. Rockets have exceeded 70 feet! The design brief and research information can be viewed below.

Design Brief

Making the Rocket

1) Cut your rocket to the desired length

2) Layout one fin as a template for the others

3) Cut out the template

4) Trace additional fins using your template

5) Cut one piece of tape for every two fins. The tape should be the length of the fin area that will be attached to the rocket body.

6) Cut each piece of tape in half lengthwise

7) Place a piece of tape on each fin - the tape must extend past the fin (about half-on, half-off)

8) Carefully attach the first fin - tape must not interfere with the bottom end of the rocket

9) Carefully add the remaining fins and adjust the spacing

10) Shape and attach the nosecone - the front end of the rocket must be completely sealed