How-to: Rocket Launcher!

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 How to Make a Simple Rocket Launcher Using Basic Materials You Probably Already Have at Home

Supplies:

• toilet paper rolls (two per rocket launcher)
• large rubber bands (two per rocket launcher)
• cotton balls
• skewer sticks (one per rocket launcher)
• tape (a heavy-duty tape such as duct tape or packaging tape works best)
• scissors


Steps:

  1. Cut two slits on each side of the toilet paper roll.
  2. Place a large rubber band through each slit, as shown in the photo.
  3. Tape over the slits to secure the rubber bands so they do not fall out.
  4. I forgot to take a photo of this next step, sorry about that! Cut another toilet paper roll in half, then roll it tightly, almost like rolling a cigar. Tape it securely so it does not uncoil.
  5. I included a screenshot of this step from the YouTube video posted below.


This was such a fun hands-on activity using simple materials we already had at home. Projects like this encourage creativity, problem-solving, fine motor skills, and imaginative play while showing children that learning and exploration do not need to be complicated or expensive.

Once the launcher was finished, the real fun began. The children spent the afternoon experimenting with different launch angles, distances, and ways to improve their rockets.

Simple projects often lead to the biggest curiosity.

Happy building and exploring :)


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