Build a compressed air rocket
Build a compressed-air bottle rocket using a plastic bottle, water, cork and pump; test launches with adult supervision to explore pressure and motion.
Step-by-step guide to build a compressed-air bottle rocket
Activities for Kids: Make a Paper Rocket Fly! Inspired by Boeing's Space Launch System
Step 1
Put on your safety goggles.
Step 2
Ask an adult to supervise the whole build and test session.
Step 3
Gather all the materials on a flat outdoor area.
Step 4
Pour water into the bottle until it is about one-third full.
Step 5
With the adult's help push the pump needle through the center of the cork until a little needle shows on the other side.
Step 6
Push the cork firmly into the bottle mouth so the bottle is sealed.
Step 7
Wrap strong tape around the cork and bottle top to make the seal tighter.
Step 8
Turn the bottle upside-down so the cork points toward the ground.
Step 9
Ask the adult to hold the bottle steady from the sides.
Step 10
Stand at least two meters back from the bottle.
Step 11
Attach the pump nozzle to the needle sticking out of the cork.
Step 12
Pump slowly to add air until the cork pops and the rocket launches.
Step 13
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use instead of a cork or the pump needle if we don't have them?
If you can't find a cork or the specific pump needle, use a snug rubber stopper that fits the bottle mouth and a bicycle pump needle adapter pushed through it, keeping the bottle, tape, and one-third water step the same.
The cork keeps leaking or the rocket won't launch — what should we check?
Check that the pump needle is pushed all the way through the center of the cork, press the cork firmly into the bottle mouth, wrap extra strong tape around the cork and bottle top, and have the adult hold the bottle sides while you pump slowly until the cork pops.
How can I change the activity for younger or older kids?
For younger kids, have the adult prepare and hold the bottle (pour one-third water, insert and tape the cork and needle) while the child watches and helps pump, and for older kids let them add cardboard fins, vary the one-third water level, and measure launch distances themselves.
How can we make the rocket fly farther or personalize it?
Attach lightweight cardboard fins with tape, decorate the bottle before testing, and experiment with changing the water level or launch angle to see how distance changes and then share results on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to build a compressed-air bottle rocket
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Facts about air pressure and motion
⚠️ Safety first: wear eye protection, stand well back, and never aim the rocket at people, animals, or fragile things.
🎈 Ordinary plastic soda bottles can hold a surprising amount of pressure — that's why we use a secure launch rig and adult supervision.
🧪 Pressure measures force over area; pumping more air raises the bottle's internal pressure so it can push water out faster.
💧 The water acts as the reaction mass: forcing it out the nozzle pushes the rocket the opposite way (Newton's third law).
🚀 Water rockets use only water and air pressure for thrust — hobby launches have reached hundreds of meters in competitions!
How do I build and launch a compressed-air bottle rocket?
What materials do I need to build a compressed-air bottle rocket?
What ages is a compressed-air bottle rocket suitable for?
What safety precautions should I follow when launching a compressed-air bottle rocket?
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