Students can build their own straw rockets and test them on the Straw Rocket Launcher. Just like early rocket pioneer Robert Goddard, they can conduct scientific experiments by varying the trajectory angle and launch energy. These rockets can travel up to 50 feet!
The Straw Rocket Launcher uses pneumatic force created by releasing a weighted drop rod in the cylinder to launch rockets. The force of the launch can be controlled by varying the release height of the rod. The launcher features the following:
Building straw rockets is a fun, inexpensive activity and a great way to introduce students to rocketry. Use with Precision Straws, sold separately. Recommended for use in a large, open indoor area such as a gymnasium.
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 pack includes enough Precision Straws, clay, and fin material for 30 students to make four rockets each, which enables them to experiment with different weights, straw lengths, and fin designs. Pack includes student instructions. Requires launcher, scissors, ruler, and transparent tape, sold separately.
Pitsco Education Timber Cutter is a helpful tool for cutting 1/8" wooden sticks. Recommended for bridge and tower building as well as other model projects. The see-through safety guard limits finger access to the blade.
A single-edged razor blade provides a clean, accurate cut. Miter marks are molded into the base to use as a reference when making angle cuts. Five extra blades are included. Additional replacement blades sold separately.
Pitsco Mini Straw Rocket Launcher can propel rockets up to 25 feet. Just put the rocket on the launch tube, pull back the air pressure plunger, and let go – it couldn't be easier. Also, includes a Launch Angle Tool that helps you turn the launch tube to the desired angle.
The Mini Straw Rocket Launcher is made of acrylic, stainless steel, plastic, and hardboard and measures 7-3/4" L x 4" W x 8" H (with launch tube up). Works with rockets made of Precision Straws or 7/32" diameter drinking straws. No assembly required.
Has your Straw Rocket Launcher’s launch tube seen better days? If so, this brass tube replaces the launch tube so you can keep flying those rockets.
A target board best used with the Straw Rocket Launcher. Set up the board a distance away and have students aim their rockets at it. See who can land their rocket closest to the center of the target. It’s a great addition to all straw rocket lessons.
Pitsco Education Lumberjack Cutter is a safe, precise way to cut your larger balsa wood pieces. Starting with a solid 8" x 14" base of MDF, the Lumberjack features a 12" built-in ruler and angles marked at 10-degree increments from 0 to 90 degrees – handy tools when building a detailed structure project. Metal bars block access to the blade to ensure safety during use. Cuts balsa wood up to 1/8" thick and 3/4" wide.
Replacement blades sold separately. Please see price options below.
Build and deploy parachutes with a variety of payloads and watch the excitement. This Getting Started package includes materials for 30 student parachutes and the Dr. Zoon Parachutes Video. Requires scissors, sold separately.
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!
Manufactured to fit perfectly on the Pitsco Straw Rocket Launcher, Precision Straws are used to make straw rockets that will launch every time! They are made from Mylar for durability and can also be glued.
Pitsco Education Straw Structures - Getting Started Package provides materials for up to 30 students. Structures start taking shape with this Getting Started package. Students explore structures and geometric shapes with instruction from Dr. Zoon and the Polyhedra Poster.