If you are located in a windy location, try to orient your launch location behind a windbreak such as a gymnasium or other large building. Because of their lightweight design, stomp rockets perform best on non-windy days.Though some bottles will launch 20 to 40 rockets, bottles will eventually fail and will need to be replaced. When headed out to launch, always have spare empty 2-liter soda bottles and duct tape handy.If using this technique, consider building several launchers for the class so that multiple rockets may be launched simultaneously. Younger students may make comparative altitude estimates using landmarks on buildings or flagpoles.Alternately, download the digital Data Sheet onto a mobile device that students can use to record the data. Be sure to print out a copy of the Data Sheet for each baseline (A and B) and have a student recorder for each baseline take the Data Sheet, along with a pencil and a clipboard, out to the launch area.To obtain an accurate angle of elevation, you'll want several Altitude Trackers on each baseline, so have each student team make one. If your students will be measuring the altitude attained by their rockets, allow time to construct the Altitude Trackers.While students finalize their rockets, examine them to ensure that they are airtight. If they are too tight, it will be difficult to slide the completed rockets over the launch tube. They should slide freely along the PVC rocket form. Be sure that the rocket-body tubes that students roll are slightly loose.Students may work in pairs to build more than one rocket to observe design differences. Working in pairs works best for younger students and can be useful for brainstorming between older students. Decide in advance if students will each build their own rocket or will work in teams.Safety Note: Use caution when cutting the PVC for the launcher and rocket forms.You may also use a fine-tooth saw to cut PVC. If you do not own a PVC cutter, it's a good idea to purchase one or ask the hardware store to pre-cut the PVC pipe for you in the specified lengths. While at the hardware store, purchase enough 1/2-inch PVC pipe to make the launchers and the rocket forms. Take the Stomp Rocket Launcher Assembly Instructions to a hardware store to make purchasing the right pieces easy. Prior to launch day, construct at least one rocket launcher.Prepare for the lesson by watching the " Do It Yourself Space: Stomp Rockets" videos available at the top of this page.2 clipboards (each with a pencil) OR a mobile device linked to the digital Data Sheet Data Sheets - Download PDF (printout) OR XLSX (digital) Altitude Tracker (printed on cardstock) - Download PDF Empty 2-liter bottle (plus spares if available) 5-foot length of 1/2-inch PVC pipe cut into various lengths (see assembly instructions for lengths) Stomp Rocket Assembly Instructions - Download PDF 24-inch length of 1/2-inch PVC pipe (for the rocket form) 2 sheets of 8.5 x 11-inch paper (white or color) OR custom skins - Download PDF Student Instruction Sheet (optional) - Download PDF
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