Need a project for the upcoming science fair? The model rocket is your ticket to the prestigious “best in show” award. Imagine your own self-made toy that can launch itself past the ceiling of the highest classrooms. Make one now and show your teachers what science can do to an inquiring mind.

The model rocket is just as fun to create as it is to launch. You will certainly feel like a whiz kid as you put together cardboard, PVC pipes and a makeshift engine to form a fully-functional miniature rocket. The whole creation process may be a bit challenging, but you won’t even notice since you will be too focused on creating a small scientific breakthrough.

Model Rocket Motors

Years ago, you had to go through the tedious process of building the model rocket’s engine. You had to know your chemistry and have some automotive skills to create a successful engine prototype. Fortunately, a lot of scientists saw this problem and manufactured ready-made model rocket engines. These engines are very cheap and you can purchase one for only two dollars.

Materials Used:

• cardboard sheet
• PVC pipe class 125
• model rocket motor
• pipe cutter
• sandpaper
• scissors
• glue gun
• glue stick
• straw
• duct tape
• paper
• string
• plastic sheet

Collect Materials

Your first stop is the hardware store where you will purchase the PVC pipe, pipe cutter, duct tape, and sandpaper. You can then proceed to a needlework store and buy the glue gun, glue stick, and a pair of scissors. Once done, you can go to a hotdog stand then get a plastic bag and a few straws. Your last stop is a reputable hobby store where you can get a model rocket engine.

The Model Rocket’s Body

Cut about ten inches of PVC pipe with the pipe cutter. Once done, smooth the pipe’s edges with sandpaper. Make sure that all the rough spots are gone so that you can easily build the other sections of your model rocket. Once the edges have been smoothed, get your cardboard sheet and cut out four four-inch strips. Shape the strips to become your rocket’s triangular fins then glue them to the bottom portion of your rocket. Finally, tie the rocket’s body with a straw so that your rocket will not stray off its flight path.

Insert the Model Rocket’s Engine

Get your model rocket motor then wrap it with duct tape. Gently insert the motor inside the PVC pipe then attach it to the inner walls of the pipe. If you are not sure that the engine will hold up, you can add glue or more tape to reinforce the connection.

The Model Rocket’s Cap

Get a piece of paper then fold it just like the pointy top of an actual rocket. Tape the ends of the paper together. Once done, glue the rocket cap on the top portion of the rocket. Make sure that the cap is securely fastened to the edges of the rocket because it can be easily blown off by the force of the model rocket motor.

The Rocket Parachute

Normally, the model rocket is finished after the previous procedure but your rocket will probably end up as a scattered mess of makeshift materials after launch time. You probably want to recover your rocket for future use, which is why you need to create a makeshift parachute.

Cut a sheet of plastic that is big enough to cover at least one fourth of your model rocket. Bore a hole on each side of the plastic sheet then tie a string to each hole. One done, tie the strings to the top portion of the rocket. Make sure that the strings are tightly fastened so that they can easily carry the rocket right after a launch.

At this point, your model rocket is done. You can now demonstrate to your teachers and schoolmates the fruit of your hard work and scientific savvy. Soon, you will be hailed as your school’s official rocketeer, and rake in awards and accolades at the science fair.

Watch The Video

How To Build Model Rockets

How to Make A Model Rocket