Construction Paper Rocket / Air Compressor PVC Launcher

Construction Paper Rocket / Air Compressor PVC Launcher

Post status:  Under construction:  I will post pics, video, and application information this week.  But, you can use this to help you build one of these little beauties!

Subject:  Science
Grade level:  All!
Involvement:  Demonstration/Application
Cost:  Roughly $45, plus air compressor with connectors
Difficulty:  Medium.  You need to know how to saw, or have access to a saw.  
Time:  1-2 hours 

For our school's Science Fair / EXPO, I brought along an idea I saw (and yes, stole) from the STEM Expo at USF in Tampa in February.  It's a simple concept and as long as you have a way to cut thick PVC, you're good to go.

When construction and connected to an air compressor, this device will fill up with air and wait to be released.  Slide a construction paper rocket (easy peasy instructions on the sheet!) over the launching tube, turn the valve, and launch!!  Yep. Easy as that!

Here is a link for the instructions.  First off: I did NOT write the packet.  Steve Spangler passed it along on his blog and I'm doing the same.  That being said, there is a version of it that is incomplete!!  You need two 90* female-female PVC elbows that are essential to the project and my original pack didn't list. I discovered that at 8:30 one evening in the MIDDLE of construction...but thankfully I could borrow from another project I had waiting. PHEW!  THIS version has all the parts listed.  You can thank me later ;)

Rocket Launcher Instructions

My recommendations:  

• Cut and primer all your pieces at once. The directions have you stopping and cutting and priming repeatedly.
• Cut:
• 17: of 3" PVC   (prime both ends)
• 6" of 3" PVC     (prime both ends)
• 5" of 3" PVC     (prime both ends)
• 2" of 3/4" PVC (prime both ends) -- so when you're buying the PVC, you only need a 12" length tube, not a 5 footer like I got.  Oops.
• 18" of 1/2 PVC, (prime ONE end) plus as many 12" tubes you want to use as the rocket molds (no priming)
• Prime the end cap, both elbow openings, the bushing and coupling, both connectors on the valve, the non-threaded sides of both small elbows, the small bushing.
• Glue one piece at a time according to directions.  IT DRIES FAST so get it into the right position immediately!

Pics to come soon of our experience with the launcher!  We're going to test it today and I'll share with you the chart and info I have from the Science fair!