Stomp Rocket

Students build and launch paper rockets using a plastic bottle, garden hose, and card. By stomping on the bottle, compressed air is forced through the hose, propelling the rocket upwards in a demonstration of Newton’s Third Law.

1. Cut a garden hose to about 15–30 cm in length.
2. Roll a sheet of card around the outside of the hose to form a rocket body, securing it with tape so it fits snugly but can slide off easily.
3. Seal the top of the rocket into a point with tape to make it air-tight.
4. Cut triangles of card and attach them to the bottom as fins; experiment with different shapes and sizes.
5. Remove the cap from a 2L pop bottle and tape the hose securely into the mouth with duct tape, ensuring an air-tight seal.
6. Place the rocket on the free end of the hose.
7. Position the launcher outdoors, making sure it is pointed safely away from others.
8. Stomp on the pop bottle to launch the rocket.
9. To relaunch, blow into the hose to re-inflate the bottle.

How to Make a Stomp Rocket | Home Science Experiments | Science Max - Science Max - 9 Story:

STEAM Project for Kids: Stomp Rockets! - Boston Children's Museum:

📄 Stomp Rocket Launchers - Science World: https://www.scienceworld.ca/resource/stomp-rocket-launchers/

• Purchase and use a commercially available stomp rocket
• Investigate how the number, size, or shape of fins affects flight stability.
• Test different materials for the rocket body (e.g., thinner paper vs. card).
• Try shooting at a target for accuracy.
• Experiment with different stomp strengths and compare flight distances.
• Investigate how the angle of launch affects the distance covered, predict and test which angle launches the rocket the farthest.

• Launch rockets only in an open outdoor area.
• Always point rockets away from people and fragile objects.
• Keep students at a safe distance during launches.
• Supervise use of scissors when cutting hose or fins.

• What force pushes the rocket upward? (The escaping air pushes downward, and by Newton’s Third Law the rocket is pushed upward.)
• How do fins affect the rocket’s stability? (They help keep it flying straight rather than tumbling.)
• What launch angle gives the greatest distance? (Close to 45°, assuming no major air resistance.)
• How could you make the rocket go higher or farther? (Use stronger stomps, better air seals, or lighter rocket bodies.)