This document provides instructions for building and launching a paper rocket in two activities. In the first activity, students will build a paper rocket, determine its center of mass and center of pressure, and answer questions about the rocket's design. The second activity has students launch the rocket using a straw or cylinder launcher, observe and measure its trajectory, and answer additional questions. The document concludes with an activities schedule detailing the expected time needed to complete each part at home and in class.

1. DIY
3…2…1 LIFT-OFF!
Activity 1: Building your own paper rocket
The basic principles behind rocketry are the same for a simple paper rocket as for space rockets. In
this activity, you will design and build your own paper rocket and use it to investigate some of the
variables in the design that may affect the stability and performance of your rocket.
MATERIALS
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PROCEDURE
1. Build a paper rocket using the equipment provided by your teacher. You can build your
rocket anyway you like, but be sure that it fits on the launch system that you will use (ask
your teacher)…DIAMETER!
2. Find the centre of mass (CoM) of your rocket. This is the point representing the mean
position of the mass in a body or system. You can do this by tying a piece of thread around
your rocket and balancing it as shown on the drawing below. Mark where the CoM lies
with a pencil.
3. Find the centre of pressure (CoP) of your rocket. This is the average location of the
pressure acting on the rocket and, in this case, can be found by locating the balance of the
rocket’s projected area.
You can find the CoP by cutting out a silhouette of your rocket in cardboard and
balancing it on an edge. Mark the CoP on your rocket (homework)
Name: ____________________________________________ Tech: ___ Class nº:_____

2. QUESTIONS
1. Give your rocket a cool name:_______________________
2. What is the distance between the centre of mass and the centre of pressure? __________
cm
3. Is the centre of pressure in front of the centre of mass? Yes / No
4. Make a drawing of your rocket and point out the centre of mass, the centre of pressure, the
length and the diameter. Don’t forget to correctly draw the position and the number of fins.
5. Add more variables to the table and consider how you can change the variable in order for
your rocket to be more stable.
Variable Description
Number of fins
Size and shape of fins

3. Activity 2: Launch your rocket
You are now ready to launch your rocket! Did you know that a well-built paper rocket can
achieve flight distances of 30 m or more!? Let’s go!
MATERIAL
• Launch system (straw or cylinder, choose one) ___________
• Self-build paper rocket
• Measuring tape
To warm-up. Before launching…
1. Before launching, draw the trajectory that you predict your rocket will follow when you
launch it from the ground
2. At what angle should you launch your rocket with respect to the ground to maximise the
distance travelled? ____________
PROCEDURE
1. Launch your rocket, using the launch system.
2. Observe the trajectory.
3. Measure the distance between the initial and the final point: _______________ m
QUESTIONS
1. How far from the launching point did your rocket land, in meters?_______________ m
2. Did your rocket follow the trajectory that you expected? Yes / No
3. Identify three possible initial conditions that affected the trajectory of your rocket
launch (@)
a. _
b. _
c. _
4. Discuss why it is convenient to use the Moon as a stepping stone for traveling further
into space.
@See more at
http://www.esa.int/Education/Teachers_Corner/3_2_1_Lift_off!_-_Building_your_own_paper_rocket_Teach_with_space_P17

4. ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE
Activity
Time expected at
home
Time expected
in class
I got it? Comments
Explanation, read the
worksheet, fill in the material
list.
15 minutes
Build the rocket. Determine
CoM and CoP. Answer the
questions 1, 2, 3 of activity 1.
Number 4 as well if you have
time.
30 minutes (CoP and
improve design)
50 minutes
Answer the warm-up question
of activity 2. Test your rocket,
choose one rocket per group,
launch it. Answer the questions
1 and 2 of this activity.
45 minutes
Answer the questions 4 and of
activity 1. Answer the
questions 3 and 4 of activity 2.
Review the worksheet, make
sure is completely filled in.
Metacognition and assessment
50 minutes
EVALUATION SCALE
ALWAYS, ALL THE
TIME!
3
ALMOST ALL THE
TIME!
2
BARELY...
1
NEVER
0
Rocket construction
I built the rocket in the expecting time.
20%
Worksheet instructions
I read the worksheet and I follow the
instructions.
20%
Activities
I did ALL the activities with interest, in the
expected time.
20%
Group
I collaborated with the group when it was
necessary, we chose a rocket with criteria.
20%
Involvement
I didn't waste time, I showed lots of
interest, I behave well all the time.
20%
Bonus point
I researched at home to improve my rocket
design. Explain it briefly.
Total points /18 Final score /10