Utilize air forced through PVC pipe to launch a homemade rocket into the air. Follow the directions at the Science Toy Maker website to make a simple launcher that can be used by children as young as preschool. The launcher is made of PVC pipe with a 2-liter soda bottle as the pump that creates the forced air for launch. This site also has directions on making the rocket from magazines and milk cartons. Older students can design their own rocket and compete to see which will fly the highest. Utilize different sizes of pipe for the launcher to test the effect on launch height of the rocket. You can also test the speed of a rocket on a string when propelled by a balloon. Investigate how the volume or shape of the balloon effects the distance the rocket travels.
Launch a rocket propelled by the combination of air and water. Compare the distances flown of the two types of launchers. Build a water rocket using the directions at the Kids Can Make It website. Follow all safety procedures as these rockets launch with more force than air rockets. Modify the rocket shape to test the effects on distance the rocket will fly.
Launch a rocket using the chemical reaction caused by combining baking soda and vinegar. Utilize the simple instructions at the PBS Kids website and launch a paper rocket. Vary the amount of baking soda and vinegar in the experiment to determine if this changes the height the rocket reaches after launch.
Make a traditional tube-shaped rocket and test it with a variety of propulsion systems to find the one that creates the most thrust for the highest launch. Modify the design to increase the height by changing the weight or drag of the rocket. Read the experiment at the Science Buddies website for testing procedures. Change the design to create a parachute recovery system for the rocket. Review the experiment on the Parks College website for ideas and tips on a parachute system. Purchase propulsion systems that use explosives from local hobby shops and provide adult supervision when using them. Design a variety of rocket shapes to test which will go highest or farthest with the purchased propulsion systems.