About
Flying model rockets is a relatively safe and inexpensive way for students to learn the basics of forces while gaining hands on experience. There are numerous resources to assist with model rockets. Educational kits are available providing everything one would need to build a model rocket. However, making a model rocket from scratch is much cheaper and has a lot more educational value.

Design
I had no clue how to go about making a model rocket. My first instincts were to buy a kit to learn about building model rockets. I found a get kit at Wal-Mart that consisted of two rockets that you put together. The kit was $20, so Kevin O’Neill and I split it. I ended up with the black diamond rocket. It had all the parts and engines, I basically just had to glue it together and paint it. However, I learned a lot from the kit. I learned about all the part of the rocket, and design factors such as weight and symmetry. After making the kit, I realized how easy it was to build a model rocket and decided to build one myself. My first attempt wasn’t so

good because I made the fins out of cardboard and they were way to heavy. I then made another one out of a used cardboard paper towel holder. I wrapped sticky paper around the tube for my body. I used a thin strip of balsa to cut out my fins; this was much lighter. For the nose, I formed it out of a block of balsa left over from my automata project. The parachute was made from a plastic to-go bag from West End and string. I secure the engine in place by setting tabs inside the body with thin strips of balsa wood.

Launching
For my first launch, I used a "C" engine and my "made from scratch" rocket went 163m for 14.65sec. During landing, the rocket crashed hard and was unable to fly again. However, I had the rocket I made using a kit to launch a few more times. I had launching problems with equiptment the 2nd launch, and the rocket only went for less than 2 seconds. I fixed the problem and was able to achievce 200m for 33 seconds using a "B" engine.

Launching the rocket	Scene after launch

Project Parts
Nose cone – the cone-shaped forward section of a rocket or guided missile, allowing a less friction flight. The nose is attached to the parachute and tightly sets on top of the body. I shaped balsa wood for my nose cone.
Fins – a small subsidiary structure on an aircraft, designed to increase directional stability. The fins helped my rocket would fly in a straight path. They were made out of a thin strip of balsa wood.
Engine (size) – the engines produce the thrust to fit the rocket into the sky. For our rockets we had three engines, each with a different amount of potential thrust. The “A” engine gives the least amount of thrust, then “B” with an amplified thrust, and finally “C” with the most thrust. I used the “B” and “C” type engines.

Body – the section of a vehicle, usually in the shape of a cylinder in which the load is carried. This is where the engine, recovery wadding, parachute, and the cord are secured. The nose is attached to the top and the fins to the bottom. My body was constructed from a paper towel roll and duplicator paper.
Parachute – a folding, umbrella-like fabric device with cords. Intended to allow the object to descend slowly from a height. For my rocket, I cut a plastic grocery bag and attached string for the parachute.
Recovery wading – a small fibrous or soft material for stuffing or padding in specially prepared sheets.