3-2-1 Blast Off!

How would you like to build your own rocket and launch it? Use these plans to build your rocket, and then watch it lift off. How high will it go?

3-2-1 Blast-Off!
2007 Scholastic Canada Ltd. V001

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What you need to make your rocket:

coloured pencils or markers scissors rocket template (page 11) tape craft glue or glue stick 35 mm film canister (the cap fits inside the canister)

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What you need to launch your rocket:

safety glasses or goggles water to fill 1/3 of the film canister 12 Alka-Seltzer tablet a plate or shallow container (for the launching pad)

Note: You can substitute 12 teaspoon of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of vinegar for the AlkaSeltzer tablet and water.
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Making Your Rocket

Try to keep your rocket as light as possible so it will fly higher. Just like real rockets, the lighter your rocket is, the higher it will fly.

1. Photocopy the pattern on page 11. On the

photocopy, colour in the cone, body, and fins of the rocket.

2. Cut out each piece with scissors.

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3. Tape the tab end of the rocket body to the film canister, just
above the lid as shown. Then, wrap the body of the rocket around the film canister. Be sure the film canister is upside down with the lid at the bottom of the rocket. tab

4. ut some glue on the tab at the P

side of the rocket body. Then, press the matching side of the body onto the glued tab.

tape
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5. Glue the cone together.

glue

6. Glue the cone to the tabs at the

top of the rocket.

7. old the fins along the dotted F

lines. Then, glue the fins to the body of the rocket at the places shown.

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Now it is time to launch your rocket.

Cone

Body Fins

Film canister

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Launching Your Rocket

Before you launch your rocket, put on safety glasses or goggles. Launch your rocket outside. Make sure everyone stands back at least three metres from the launching pad.

1. Wear safety glasses. 2. Take your rocket over to the launching pad. 3. Turn your rocket upside down over the
launching pad.

4. Remove the lid and fill the film

canister 1/3 full with water.
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5. Working very quickly, drop 12 an 6. Snap the lid on tightly.

Alka-Seltzer tablet into the canister.

7. Put your rocket on the launching pad

facing upward.

8. Stand back quickly and start counting

Illustrations by Dave McKay

from 1. How long did it take your rocket to launch?

Note: If your rocket doesnt launch, dont approach it too soon. Wait at least one minute before checking.
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How does it work? The water and the AlkaSeltzer form bubbles of gas in the canister. The gas takes up lots of space and creates pressure. When the pressure becomes too much, it forces the cap off the canister and the rocket blasts off.

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top of rocket

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