How to Make a Far Flying Paper Rocket

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Building long-distance paper rockets are an awesome activity for kids of all ages. Whether for the science fair or as a fun activity on a snow day, paper rockets are a fantastic way to learn while creating something cool. In 3...2...1...Liftoff!

Grab the cardstock. Lay it flat on a table. Place your copper pipe lengthwise on top of the paper so the rocket is long and thin. Make sure the top edge of the paper is even with the rest of the page. Use your copper pipe (or any other thin, round tube) to create the shape of the rocket by rolling the paper around the pipe.

Tuck the paper underneath the pipe simultaneously as you roll. This will ensure the body is as snug as possible.If the tube slides smoothly and freely as you're rolling, you're in good shape.

Glue the tube. Once your paper is tightly wound around the pipe, unroll it so only a third of the page is around the pipe. Hold the paper in place with one hand and using the other hand, grab the glue. Rub a strip of glue the entire length of the page. Roll the paper a little more to cover the newly placed glue spot.

Repeat this action of rolling a little, placing glue, rolling a little and placing glue, until the tube is sealed. Pay special focus to the last edge you glue. Ensure it is extra secure so it doesn't unravel during flight.Continue to rub and roll the solid tube for several minutes to make sure everything is holding in place and sticking accordingly. Think of the tube as a rolling pin for dough and simply roll it back and forth.

Remove the tube slightly. Holding the pipe upright with one hand, slide the pipe out the bottom about half an inch. This will leave the same amount of space (half an inch) exposed at the top that is not supported by the tube.

Tape the bent edge. Using scotch tape, grab two, inch and a half pieces or so of tape. Place the tape over the bent end of the cardstock. Make sure the tape is crossed for added security.

This will prevent the edge from popping open once shot.

Create the fins. Using a separate sheet of cardstock, fold the paper in half lengthwise. Holding the opened side of the paper, cut upward diagonally on the opposite corner of the page. When you open the fin, you will have created a large triangle with the bottom measuring about two to two and a half inches wide.

Make the launcher. Get your empty, plastic two liter bottle and ½ inch diameter, foot long PVC. Slide the PVC into the bottle. It will fit nice and snug.

Tape the PVC and bottle together to prevent any wiggling.

Use a liter bottle. Get your empty, plastic two liter bottle and ½ inch diameter, foot long PVC. Slide the PVC into the bottle. It will fit nice and snug.

Insert pipe into bottle. Grab your liter bottle and firmly insert one of the 12" long pieces into the end. Use duct tape or electrical tape to secure the connection around the mouth of the bottle.

Add a connector. Snap a connector onto the end of the 12" long PVC piece. Add another 12" long piece of pipe to the opposite end of the connector.

Set rocket in place. Place your paper rocket onto the vertical launch pipe. Stomp on the bottle to shoot the rocket into the air!

You can add blocks underneath the pipes. Doing this will send the rocket soaring across the sky in an arch, rather than straight up into the air.Play with the design by adding two vertical pipes or more to launch multiple rockets simultaneously.

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Things You'll Need

Cardstock (2 sheets any color)Glue stickPlay doughScissorsPencil½ inch Copper pipe or PVC pipeTapeRulerEmpty two liter plastic bottle

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Updated: January 27, 2020

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