Straw Rocket

Here's a fun thing to try!

Take the paper strip from step 1 of the Flexagons (above), or cut out a new strip of paper about 2 1/2 inches high and 8 1/2 inches wide.

Roll the paper around a straw, but not too tightly.
Flatten one end of your paper tube, then fold a piece of tape over it.

Slide the paper tube onto the straw, then blow your Straw Rocket across the room!

Make sure that you won't hit any people or any breakable objects!
Notice that the Straw Rocket flies a short way and then starts to tumble in the air.

To fix this, cut out 3 small triangles.
Carefully tape the small triangles to the end of your Straw Rocket near where the straw slides into it.

Now your Straw Rocket will fly a lot farther and straighter!

When you see pictures of real missiles and rockets, now you know why they have those fins on them!

Try some experiments:

  • Does a shorter Straw Rocket fly better than a longer one?
  • Does it make a difference if you have only 1 or 2 fins, or if you have more than 3 fins?
  • Who can shoot their Straw Rocket the farthest?
  • Who has better aim shooting their Straw Rocket at a target?
  • Can you tape a Straw Rocket to the bottom of a paper airplane and launch the airplane with the straw?
  • Will it work if you simply tape a wing (such as a triangular piece of paper) onto the Straw Rocket?

Have fun, but be safe!