VERSION #1

1. You can build your rockets out of almost any hollow tube material, like a straw, as long as the steel rod can fit loosely inside. My preferred material is the empty plastic tube from a Bic or Scripto style pen. They don't chip or break from the impact of landing. You can typically buy these pens in packs of ten. Remove both ends, using the steel rod to push the plug out of the end of the tube. You might try to disassemble one before you buy a large amount to make sure the plug isn't glued in the end.

2. Print page 1 of the Fin Patterns PDF and make copies on regular 20 lb paper. Each copy can be used to make fins for 4 rockets. Cut out one of the fin patterns. 3. Fold the cut-out fin pattern in an alternating up and down crease so the fins are raised up and the rectangles lay flat. Your students may want to decorate their fins before folding the pattern. 4. Flatten the folded pattern and tape across the back to hold the rectangles together at the base of the fins. 5. Tape one edge of the pattern to the pen tube, lining up the base of the fins with the base of the tube. 6. Wrap the pattern around the pen tube and tape the other edge of the pattern. Fold the top corners of the tape over the top edge of the fins. 7. You're "fin"ished!

Version #2

1. Print page 2 or 3 of the Fin Patterns PDF and make copies on card stock. Page 2 can be used to make fins for 14 rockets. Page 3 has two styles of fins, enough for 8 and 14 rockets. Cut out 3 fins of one style for your rocket.

2. Tape the fins to the rocket, making sure they go straight up the side of the rocket. Fold the top corners of the tape over the top edge of the fins.

3. Try using other tubes for your rocket, including giant straws or empty juice drink bottles with a hole cut in the bottom for the steel rod to pass through. You can curve the fins to give your rocket a spin in flight. Try fins of different shapes and sizes to go with your different sized rockets. Just keep the three fins the same on each rocket.

Version #3

1. Attach a pen tube to the side of a more traditional rocket with a nose cone. The tube will act as a guide as it launches off the steel rod. Keep in mind that the greater the mass of the rocket, the shorter the distance it will travel. Also, without a method for ejecting the nose cone and deploying a parachute, the nose cone will take all the force of impact when it lands.