If the nose cone was heavy compared to the mass of the rocket, you might have observed a decrease in altitude.Īdding a parachute adds some mass, but it considerably increases the chance to recover the rocket undamaged. Unfortunately, a nose cone adds some mass to be pushed up. A rocket with a nose cone has an easier time pushing the air aside and making itself a path through the air, and thus, it usually reaches a higher altitude. When you cranked up the pressure inside the bottle from 20 psi to 40 psi, your rocket probably reached a higher altitude.īy adding fins-even small fins-you probably noticed the rocket took a straighter path to its highest point (the apogee), and no longer tumbled down, but flew straight down.īy adding a pointy, sleek nose cone, you made the rocket more aerodynamic. Adult supervision recommended for grades 1-5.Petroleum jelly (to lubricate the 0-ring).Choose a bottle of a carbonated beverage or iced tea, as other bottles might not be strong enough.Ground cover: Soft ground so the U peg to secure the launcher can be pushed into the ground.Dimensions: At least 40 m (130 ft) long and 40 m wide.Open outdoor space in which to launch your rocket.To find a science fair project that is just right for you, browse our library of over 1,200 Science Fair Project Ideas or use the Topic Selection Wizard to get a personalized project recommendation.

Good science fair projects have a stronger focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data. This activity is not recommended for use as a science fair project.

Rocket launcher 2.0 add engine