1. Launch Site Location + Weather Conditions
When choosing your launch site, pick a wide-open grassy field or outdoor athletic practice field away from trees, buildings, people, animals, electrical wires, cars, airplanes (flight paths), and other flammable objects. If you’re able to, rope off the launch site to keep viewers at a safe distance of at least 50 feet. Also, don’t forget to consider the weather conditions before attempting a bottle rocket launch! Do not launch on a windy day or during a lightning storm.
2. Bottle Rocket Design
When designing the rocket be sure to use a plastic soda pop bottle and not a water bottle. Why? One reason is that soda pop bottles are made of thicker, more durable plastic than water bottles. This makes them better adapted to handle the pressure involved in a launch and less likely to burst. All other parts of the rocket, the fin, nose cone, and any decorations should be lightweight and non-metallic. While it can be fun making modifications to a rocket and launching it again and again to test performance, rockets should be retired after 10 launches. Another factor to consider outside of the rocket itself, is the air pressure. Always use a working and accurate pressure gauge. Air pressure should be at a maximum range between 50 and 90 lbs per square inch. Never use propane, CO2, nitrogen, compressed air tanks, or other gasses to launch the rocket. It’s best to stick with a manual tire or bike pump set up at least 20 feet away from the launch site, and whoever does the pumping should wear eye protection.
3. Launch
Adult supervision is essential when it comes to bottle rocket launching! Even if you have an older child, it’s important that an adult be present to make sure they are following all safety guidelines. Also, if the launch does not work, the child should not touch the rocket. The bottle may still be pressurized and could blast off when touched. You will need to depressurize the bottle before approaching it.
Want to make a bottle rocket without the hassle of gathering materials? Blast off with a Bottle Rocket crate from the KiwiCo Store! It includes a step-by-step video tutorial link, illustrated blueprint instructions, all the materials, and a special-edition Tinker Zine magazine for more project fun!
