String Rocket Races

When you plan String Rocket Races, tell your kids to invite some friends over for the rocket race show.

How to Make String Racing Rockets

What You'll Need:

  • Small Milk Carton
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Markers
  • Soda Straw
  • Masking Tape
  • Kite String
  • Long Balloons

String Rocket races are a blast!
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.
String Rocket races are a blast!

Step One: Cut the bottom (the square end) off a small milk carton and discard. Spread glue on the outside of the remaining milk carton, and cover it with aluminum foil. Smooth the foil with your fingers to make sure it's all stuck down.

Step Two: Use markers to draw windows on your rocket, with an astronaut looking out. Cut a 1-inch piece of soda straw. Tape it on top of the milk carton.

Step Three: Thread the string through the straw. Tie one end of the string to a tree limb 10 to 20 feet away. Tie the other end of the string to a chair or limb.

Step Four: Put a balloon in the rocket, with the nozzle facing back. Blow up the balloon as big as you can. Release, and watch your rocket go!

Step Five: For rocket races, set up 2 string rockets. (Balloons are choking hazards -- keep them away from small children.)

Looking for more fun activities? Try:

ABOUT THE CRAFT DESIGNERS

Up, Up, and Away Rally by Lisa Lerner and Kersten Hamilton
Stable Airplane Mobile by Lisa Lerner and Kersten Hamilton
String Rocket Races by Lisa Lerner and Kersten Hamilton