How to Make a Bottle
Rocket
You will need
2
soda bottles to make
1
rocket!
Cut one bottle in half
• Use tape to make a
line around the
center of the bottle.
• Then cut around the
edge of the tape
Now you have 2 halves!
This is where
the parachute
will go.
This is where the egg
will go.
FINS
• Fins are the guidance system for your rocket. Without
them a rocket would tumble end over end. Fins can
give your rocket life and beauty. Fins can portray
aggressive power or aerodynamic grace. However,
fins tend to be the single greatest downfall of many
young rocket builders. With the incredible speeds and
frightful acceleration generated at launch, many fins
get ripped off the rocket body within a fraction of a
second.
• To ensure stability and safety, the
minimum number of fins on a rocket is
three (3). Many people choose a 3 or 4
fin design. There is no maximum
number of fins you may have but keep
in mind that the more fins you have the
more drag you will create and drag
slows a rocket down.
Attaching the Fins
•
•
•
Look at your fin. Make sure it
doesn't curve or it isn't crooked.
It should be in a direct line with
the body of your rocket. If it isn't
perfect, take it off and try
again.
Use a marker to draw lines on
your bottle where the fins will
go.
With your partner use packing
tape to attach Fins to rocket
body
Some fin designs
Recovery system
(aka parachute)
You will receive a 1m2
square sheet of plastic
You may cut the
parachute into any
shape.
• You may make as many
as you want..BUT the
more parachutes..the
more can go wrong!
Shroud lines
need to be as
least as long
as the
diameter of
your
parachute!
How to attach the shroud lines
• Use tape and a hole
punch reinforce the
holes on your
parachute
• Then attach the
string by tying knots
How to attach chute
• Use a marker to
show your teacher
where to drill holes
to attach the chute.
Parachute and shroud lines
Finished product
Body
Egg
Chute
Questions for research
• How will you attach the parachute to the
rocket?
• Where will it attach?
• How many shroud lines will you have?
• How will you assure that the parachute will
come out?