Fun At-Home Science Activities: How to Make a Rocket | Astronomy for Kids
Written by Victoria, Summer Science Ambassador
This week’s experiment is all about rocket ships and how people got to the moon. In 1969, the first astronauts landed on the moon. Can you believe that was 55 years ago! It took many years before that; however, to plan how the astronauts would reach their destination. Hundreds of thousands of engineers, technicians and scientists worked together to design space suits that could withstand cold temperatures and low gravity. They also had to train the astronauts and of course – build the rocket. There are four main parts to a rocket – all of which will be featured in this week’s science activity. This activity is great for a child who is in preschool, or up to grade 3.
Let’s Learn the Vocabulary
- Structural System: The outside of the rocket that projects the interior.
- Payload System: Controls all the communication system on a rocket.
- Guidance System: Controls the rocket and keeps it on course during flight.
- Propulsion System: Helps the rocket launch off the ground.
The Experiment
This week we will be building a paper towel roll rocket that can launch off the ground.
The Materials
For this activity, you will need:
- Paper towel roll
- Construction paper
- Balloon
- Glue
- Scissors
Instructions
Step 1: Use scissors to cut a circle out of the construction paper.
Step 2: Now cut from the edge of the circle to the middle before you fold the circle into a cone shape.
Step 3: Glue the cone so it does not unfold.
Step 4: Now put glue on one end of the paper towel role before placing the cone on top.
Step 5: Now cut out three triangles from the construction paper.
Step 6: Bend the edge of each triangle to create a flap on each triangle
Step 7: Place glue on the flap of each triangle before attaching them to the sides of the paper towel roll close to the bottom. These will be two fins.
Step 8: If you’d like, you can cut out circles and other shape to decorate the rest of the paper towel roll.
Step 9: Finally, place a balloon inside the bottom of the paper towel roll. When you blow it up, it will act like the thrusters of a rocket.
Congratulations! You finished your paper towel roll rocket! We hope you enjoyed this week’s science activity for kids!
Be sure to check out Victoria completing this science activity on our Youtube Channel!
