Safety is a concern for any teacher who builds and launches solid-fuel rockets. The LaunchGuard System provides a safe and reliable means of launching model rockets.

Students launch rockets by pressing a button on the Launch Module. When the supervisor (or teacher) presses and holds the button on the Supervisor Module, the system is live and the student can launch. Or the teacher can substitute a special “launch key” for the Supervisor Module. When the key is plugged into the student’s Launch Module, the system is live and ready for launch.

The launchpad is made from sturdy plastic, has an adjustable launch rod, and comes with the standard 1/8" diameter x 31" rod. It also accepts a 3/16" diameter x 31" rod for larger rockets (3/16" rod sold separately). The modules are made of rugged aluminum. The Supervisor Module uses six AA batteries (included) and has a 15-foot cord to keep students at a safe distance.

The LaunchGuard System includes the Launchpad and Launch Commander, which can also be ordered individually.

Building and experimenting with these simple rockets is the perfect way to introduce students to rocketry. And they’ll learn a bevy of physics principles in the process!

Looking for standards-based activities to accompany these materials? The Straw Rockets Teacher’s Guide is available for print here, or you can download a digital copy for free here.

In need of fun activities for elementary-aged students? Check out our Straw Rocket Elementary STEM Activity Guide, available for print and free digital download.

This top-notch bike pump will stand up to years of use. It features all-metal construction and a heavy-duty rod that resists bending. Also features a mounted pressure gauge, a locking hose end, and a contoured, rubberized handle.

Pump shipped may not match picture.

Water rocketry is one of the most fun and exciting hands-on science activities around. Converting empty plastic soda bottles into high-flying rockets provides a great opportunity for students to discover important scientific principles such as Newton’s laws, acceleration, thrust, and inertia.

Pitsco Balsa Gliders - Getting Started Package has enough materials for a classroom of 30 students, including our Metric Glider book; the Dr. Zoon Balsa Glider Video; and a FlightPak complete with materials for designing, prototyping, building and testing gliders.

Requires a hobby knife and ruler, sold separately.

Pitsco Chutepack II contains materials for students to explore the principles governing the design and use of parachutes. Tissue paper, glue sticks, and all other necessary materials are included for 30 students. Requires scissors, sold separately. 

Pitsco Economy Rocket Pack with Engines provides enough materials to make 50 rockets. To save you money, Pitsco eliminated the boxes and reduced the amount of reusable items. Each pack includes enough gummed tape, fin material, nose cones and other materials for 50 students to build one rocket each. Fifty Pitsco Rocket Kit Books are included as well. The rocket pack with engines includes 50+ igniters and engines.

Requires a launcher, scissors, ruler, sponge, finish such as paint, and white glue, sold separately.

Important: Please note that engines and igniters will be shipped separately via  ground.

Access the comprehensive Pitsco Rocket Kit Book for rocket building instructions, a short history of rockets, how to use the Pitsco LaunchGuard System, and much more! The Pitsco Rocket Kit Book is available as a digital  download for free here.

Pitsco Economy Rocket Pack without Engines provides enough materials to make 50 rockets, minus engines. To save you money, Pitsco eliminated the boxes and reduced the amount of reusable items. Each pack includes enough gummed tape, fin material, nose cones and other materials for 50 students to build one rocket each. Fifty Pitsco Rocket Kit Books are included as well. 

Requires a launcher, scissors, ruler, sponge, finish such as paint, and white glue, sold separately.

Pitsco Flightpak Power Pack guides students through principles of flight, glider design and the construction of hand-launched balsa wood gliders that they can fly. They can even compete against each other to see which glider can stay aloft the longest. All materials necessary for students’ designing, prototyping, building, and testing are provided. Includes enough materials for 30 students.

Requires a hobby knife and ruler, sold separately.