Water Rockets
Saturday, August 28, 2010
H2OOOOOOOh! Rocket Challenge
Discover the Engineer within…
This exciting science challenge, brought to Imagination Station by The Blade, gives kids of all ages the opportunity to design and build their own rocket. We’ll provide everything that you need (bottles, paper, tape, water, etc), you just need to bring the idea and the willingness to put it together. If your water rocket hits the target, you’ll be entered to win an awesome science kit!
Want to construct a water rocket before your visit? Here’s how:
How to Build a Water Rocket
1. Start with your basic 2 liter plastic soda bottle.
2. Remove the label and the cap retainer ring.
3. Reinforce the bottle with strapping tape by using three small strips to circle the bottle. Place one strip of tape around the top, one in the middle and one at the bottom.
4. Decide on the number of fins you want and mark fin guides on the bottle.
5. Use printer paper to make fin templates.
6. Transfer your design to the material of your choice and cut out the fins. Examples of materials that can be used are cardstock, cardboard, construction paper, plastic “Pocket Folders”.
7. Fold along crease lines, glue the sides together and attach fins to the bottle with strapping tape.
8. Learn about “Center of Mass.”
The center of mass is the exact point where your rocket balances, once the fins and nose cone are attached. If the balance point is too close the middle of your rocket, your rocket will tumble top over bottom. Your center of mass should be towards the top of your rocket. Each rocket will have a different balance point, a different center of mass, depending on the placement and weight of the fins.
To find out where the center of mass is located on your rocket you will need to balance it on your index finger. If you rocket balances at the midpoint near the center of your bottle, you will have to make some adjustments. You will need to move your balance weight up and away from the center by adding a nose cone that will contain extra weight. This extra weight will move the center of mass up and away from the center. This is REALLY important! If you don’t get the center of mass high enough, your rocket will NOT fly straight!
9. Build a nose cone from your 2nd empty soda bottle by cutting the top and bottom parts of the soda bottle off. Once the center piece of the bottle is removed, you will be able to create your nose cone by inserting the bottom part of the soda bottle upside down into the opening of the top part of the soda bottle. Before you seal the two pieces together, make sure you have the right amount of weight in your nose cone by finding its center of mass. You can add weight to your nose cone by using clay.
10. Once your weight has been added to your nose cone measure the total mass of your rocket. Your rocket will work best if it weighs between 200 – 240g.
11. Test your rocket and make adjustments to your nose cone and fins as necessary. Happy flying!
For more information or ideas on building water rockets, check out these great links:
How to Build a “Water-Powered Bottle Rocket” Using Two 2-Liter Soda Bottles
