3…2…1…Whoosh! The paper rockets in this article are based on real NASA blueprints and can actually float in the air. With a few simple ingredients and a little effort, you can get your rocket into the air in no time.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Making a Cone for the Rocket Nose
Step 1. Draw a circle on the paper
This is used to make the cone that will serve as the nose of the rocket. The pointed and slender cone can improve the aerodynamics of paper rockets.
- Place the plastic cup on the empty paper area, with the bottom side down.
- Make a circle by tracing the bottom of the glass.
- Give a small dot in the center of the circle.
- Make a small triangle in the center of the circle. The image should look like a piece of pie about 1/8 of the size of the circle.
Step 2. Cut the circle you made
Do this slowly and steadily. Make sure that the circle is perfectly round.
Step 3. Make a cone using a circle
Follow the steps below to make a cone from a circle.
- Cut out the triangular image. The circle is now shaped like a Pacman.
- Form a cone by joining the left and right sides of the former triangle. It will be shaped like a party hat or tipi (cone tent).
- Use two hands to grasp the top and bottom of the cone, then twist to turn it into a pointed cone.
- Apply tape to seal the cone. One piece of tape is enough to secure the bend and keep the cone firmly attached, like an ice cream cone or a dunce cap.
Step 4. Glue the cones to the rocket body
Now that the rocket body and cone are ready, you can now put them together.
- Attach the cone to one end of the rocket body using tape.
- It doesn't matter if the cone is slightly larger than the body of the rocket. Be sure to stick it firmly around the cylinder and secure it with tape.
- You can test the stickiness of the cone by blowing on the open end of the cylinder. If there is still air leaking, cover it with more tape.
Part 2 of 4: Making the Rocket Body
Step 1. Draw a 12 x 12 cm box for the body of the rocket
We recommend that you use regular quarto printing paper. Start on the left side of the paper, making dots 12 cm apart as marks. After that, measure 12 cm from the top of the paper and mark it. Draw a line to connect the dots to form a box in the upper left corner.
Do this slowly and not in a hurry
The rocket body must be clean and tidy. You have to cut the square following the line which has been made.
Step 2. Make a cylinder from the square-shaped paper
You will need a pencil and tape for the next step.
- Glue the corner of the square paper to the end of the pencil with the rest of the paper pointing toward the eraser.
- Wrap the paper tightly around the pencil. You should wrap the paper as tightly as possible. Continue rolling until the entire paper forms a small, firm cylinder around the pencil.
- Carefully remove the pencil from the cylinder while holding the paper curled up.
- Gently use the index and thumb of the other hand to press the top and bottom of the cylinder so that the ends are even.
- Put the tape in 3 places, namely the bottom, top, and middle so that the cylinder remains tightly rolled. Now you have a rocket body.
Part 3 of 4: Making Wings
Step 1. Make a pair of triangles measuring 5 x 2.5 cm
To draw a triangle, draw a vertical line 5 cm long with a ruler, then draw a horizontal line 2.5 cm from the base, then connect each end with a diagonal line.
Step 2. Cut out the triangular image you created
To do this, you may have to use small scissors.
Step 3. Glue one of the triangles to the cylinder body
The placement of the wings on the rocket body aims to make the rocket more aerodynamic and can penetrate the air better, fly faster, and fly farther.
- The short side of the triangle should be placed at the base of the cylinder, while the longer vertical side of the triangle should be attached to the cylinder body.
- The diagonal portion of the triangle (also known as the hypotenuse) will look like a fin sticking out of the rocket's body.
Step 4. Repeat the above steps to attach the second triangle
Glue the second wing in the same way, on the opposite side of the previous wing.
Part 4 of 4: Flying a Rocket
Step 1. Insert the straw
Prepare a plastic straw, then insert it into the open side of the rocket.
Step 2. Aim the rocket
Be careful not to aim the rocket at anyone, especially the face area. It's a good idea to make a target and aim your rocket at it. Look for articles on how to set goals on wikiHow.
Step 3. Blow the rocket
Take a deep breath, then blow on the straw vigorously.
Step 4. Whoosh
Watch as your paper rocket pierces the air.
Tips
- Take a few pieces of tape and stick them to the edge of the table. This will make it easier for you to attach the rocket pieces so that your hands can easily cut and roll the paper.
- Seal all the edges of the paper with tape. Do not let any air leak. The tight seal will keep the air inside the rocket, and allow it to fly better.
- Make a very pointed cone to improve aerodynamics.
- Experiment with different sizes, shapes, and numbers of wings to see the effect this has on a rocket.
