How to build your rocket

The first thing you'll need is 1/2" pvc pipe. Our launcher uses this size for the launch tube so your rocket will need to fit on it. It should be snug but not so snug the rocket has trouble coming off.

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You want to roll the paper around the pipe and tape it. You'll end up with a nice hollow tube.

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You will need to seal the top. Leave about a half inch of paper above the pvc and fold down the paper and tape over it. If you don't seal the top, the cone will blow off.

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You'll now need to experiment with nose shapes, body size, paper weights, fin shapes and numbers. Remember you need to create three rockets that are exactly identical except for one thing. For example, make three rockets that are the same in every way (size, shape, length, paper type, fin number, fin shape) except for the shape of the nose.

From rockets

From rockets

From rockets

Mission to Mars

The rocket project has been assigned. See the calendar for your important due dates. Check back for building hints and tips. See our wikipage for the assignment handout.

Work days are days you will be working on your rocket in class. If you would like to work on it at home, you will need 1/2" pvc pipe to use as a form. Your rocket must fit on that pipe in order for it to fit on the launcher.

A launch window includes all the days we may be launching. Because of weather, I cannot say for sure what day we will be outside launching your rockets. You must be prepared on the first day of the launch window.

Boeger Grand Prix

Boeger Grand Prix pictures are up!



For this project we created our own cars out of junk around the home. The purpose was to practice calculating speed.

More importantly, we got the chance to build and test our ideas. We had two chances to test and improve our cars. In science, as in all other realms, it is important to be willing to take risks and learn from your failures.

Our next big project is rockets. We'll be creating and launching paper rockets. These rockets will go over 100 feet in the air!