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Description

Scouts will be making rockets out of empty 2L pop bottles.

"Bottle Rockets" is a popular and exciting activity that introduces Scouts to basic principles of physics, engineering, and aerodynamics. This activity involves building rockets from simple materials and launching them using water and air pressure, making it both educational and fun.

Objective:
Create and launch a rocket made from a plastic bottle using water and air pressure.

Materials:
Empty plastic soda bottle (1-2 liters)
Water
A bicycle pump with a needle adapter or specialized rocket launcher (can be made or purchased)
Cork or stopper that fits the bottle’s mouth (with a hole for the pump needle)
Fins (made from cardboard or plastic sheets)
Tape or glue
Safety goggles (for protection during launches)
Optional: Decorations like markers or stickers

Resources

Card, 2L Bottles, Foot Pump, Launching Tube

Materials:
Empty plastic soda bottle (1-2 liters)
Water
A bicycle pump with a needle adapter or specialized rocket launcher (can be made or purchased)
Cork or stopper that fits the bottle’s mouth (with a hole for the pump needle)
Fins (made from cardboard or plastic sheets)
Tape or glue
Safety goggles (for protection during launches)
Optional: Decorations like markers or stickers

Instructions

Scouts will need to modify their bottles using card to make it as aerodynamic as possible to achieve the highest and furthest launch

Instructions:


Build the Rocket:
Body: Use an empty plastic bottle as the rocket’s body. This will act as the pressure chamber.
Fins: Cut out 3-4 fins from cardboard or plastic and attach them to the side of the bottle with tape or glue. These help stabilize the rocket during flight.
Nose Cone: If desired, make a nose cone from paper or plastic and tape it to the bottom of the bottle (which will become the top when the rocket is launched).
Add Water: Fill the bottle with a small amount of water, about 1/3 full. Water acts as the propellant.

Prepare the Launcher:
Insert a cork or stopper into the mouth of the bottle. The cork should have a hole for the needle adapter connected to the bicycle pump.
If using a homemade launcher, ensure the bottle is securely positioned with the open end pointing downward.

Launch the Rocket:
Pump air into the bottle using the bicycle pump. As the pressure builds up inside, it will eventually push the cork out, causing the water to shoot out of the bottle and the rocket to fly into the air.
Once launched, the rocket will soar due to the thrust created by the expelled water and the air pressure.
Safety Precautions:

Ensure everyone is standing back a safe distance (at least 10 meters) during launches.
Always wear safety goggles to protect against flying debris or water.
Conduct the activity in an open outdoor space, free of obstacles.

Tags

• Rocket

Badge Links

• Astronautics - Launch
• Creative - Activity
• Creative - Develop
• Creative - Model
• Scientist - Experiment
• Skills - Problem solving
• Teamwork - Team-building