“BLAST OFF!” | Model Rocketry
by Ben Watt
Rocketry is one of the most enjoyable projects 4-H has to offer. Numerous adults recall the pleasant memory of constructing and launching these fascinating models, and children across the country continue to enjoy them today.
The basic model rocket consists of a plastic nose cone, a flame retardant body tube, several balsa wood fins, and a highly flammable engine. In addition, there is the launch lug, which guides the rocket as it blasts off the launch pad. A parachute or streamer, stored in the body tube beneath the nose cone, is ejected from the rocket by a powerful blast of gas released by the engine when all the propellant in it has been burned. Flame resistant paper wadding protects the parachute from the combustion occurring in the engine.
Although constructing a rocket is definitely a memorable, enjoyable, and educational experience, the same is true to an even larger degree for launching. An igniter is inserted into a small cavity in the engine, the rocket is mounted on the slender metal rod of the launch pad, and everyone, with their eyes fixed on the rocket counts down “Five, four, three, two, ONE!” The rocket zooms into the sky, leaving a trail of smoke behind it. Within seconds it reached the dizzying height of 1,000 feet.
A model rocket kit can be purchased at most hobby stores, or online. Building a self-designed rocket is also an option. The rocketry competition offered by the Westmoreland Fair is open to any 4-H member age eight and up, although a younger child could still build a rocket.
Bottle rockets are an entertaining part of the 4-H Model Rocketry program as well. Constructed from a 2 liter soda bottle, cardboard fins, and a few pieces of colorful duct tape, these water-powered rockets offer a wonderful alternative to combustion powered rockets.
If you are interested in 4-H model rocketry, please find a local club with a rocketry program by visiting the Westmoreland 4-H Extension Office via this link. If you are interested in our Greater Greensburg Community 4-H Club, please visit our Contact page.