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Handheld Water Bottle Rocket & Launcher

Source Institutions

    Community Science Workshop Network
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Handheld Water Bottle Rocket & Launcher

In this activity, learners build handheld rockets and launchers out of PVC pipes and plastic bottles. Use this activity to demonstrate acceleration, air pressure, and Newton's Laws of Motion. Note: a PVC cutter, side cutters, PVC cement glue and other tools are required to build this project.
Safety note: These rockets should only be launched in large, open, outdoor areas.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
Over $20 per student
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • 1 3/8" one-hole rubber stopper
  • 2 valve stems, from an inner tube
  • 4 small zip ties
  • 10' clear tubing with 3/16" inner diameter & 5/16" outer diameter
  • 5" 3/4" thick-walled PVC pipe
  • 27" 1/2" PVC pipe (horizontals)
  • 2 1/2" x 6" PVC pipes (verticals)
  • 2 1/2" T couplings, non-threaded
  • 2 plastic bottles (soda bottle)
  • 2 pieces of thick paper or cardstock
  • PVC cutter
  • PVC cement glue
  • scissors
  • utility knife
  • bike pump
  • side cutters
  • hot glue gun

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Aerospace Engineering
      • Transportation Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
    • Energy
    • Motion and Forces
      • Gravity
      • Momentum and Velocity
      • Acceleration
      • Projectile Motion
      • Newton's Laws
    • States of Matter
      • Liquids
      • Gases
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Mass and Weight
      • Volume and Density
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process

Informal Categories

  • Model Building
  • Outdoor Activity
  • Toys
  • Transportation

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Fresno Community Science Workshop

Rights:

  • All Rights Reserved, Fresno Community Science Workshop, ©2012

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