Pneumatic Rockets

For this challenge you will design, construct, and test a Pneumatic Rocket designed to travel a minimum of 100' down range under 120 psi (pounds per square inch) pressure.

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Introduction:

Launch the following link: Air Rockets (NASA)

Instructions:

After completing the Air Rocket crossword puzzle it is now time to design and construct your air rocket. Remember you must design, construct and test an air rocket to travel a minimum of 100' down range under 120 psi pressure.

Using a HOT GLUE GUN can be hazardous if you don't follow directions

• Do not allow any part of your body to come in contact with hot glue or the tip of the hot glue gun

• Be extremely careful when using the gun, DO NOT allow hot glue or the tip of the gun to touch another student

• Any student who engages in horseplay while using a hot glue gun will be removed from the SCHOOL

Supplies:

Gather the following supplies-

• Scissors

• Glue

• 8 1/2" x 11" paper (body tube)

• 5/16" dowel rod

• index cards (nose cose)

• card stock (fins)

Objective:

• Design, construct and test TWO pneumatic rockets. Constructing two rockets of different lengths increases the likelihood that you will complete the objective of launching a rocket a minimum of 100'. In addition, you will gain knowledge in the subject by observing the different flight characteristics of two different rocket designs.

• 5 1/2" rocket

• 8 1/2" rocket

Procedure:

• Body Tube Construction

• Constructing the Nose Cone

• Attaching the Nose Cone and Fins to the Body Tube

• When you have completed your air rocket, your instructor will give you a safety lecture and demonstration on the correct and safe use of the air compressor.

Safety:

• Never point the air compressor tool at anybody or yourself

• Treat the air compressor as you would a loaded weapon

• Whether in use, or not, always point the air compressor tool down range

• When handing the tool to a classmate, keep it pointed down range

• Do not discharge or launch a rocket when a classmate is less than 25' down range from the launcher.

Assessments:

• Pneumatic Rocketry Test

• Air Rocket Construction

• Air Rocket Test

• Air Rocket Crossword Puzzle