Science Project Idea Sitemap

1. Model Rockets - This book explains how to make simplified models of real rockets. There are complete instructions for mak­ing many well-known types, including three intercon­tinental ballistic missiles (ICBM's), the Atlas, which also is used to launch satellites, the Titan, and the Minuteman; an intercontinental guided missile, the Snark; two intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBM's), the Thor, which was used to launch the Discoverer satellites into space, and the Jupiter; three defensive interceptor rockets, the Nike-Hercules, the Bomarc, and the Talos; the Redstone and the Honest John, two tactical missiles; the famous Polaris, a fleet ballistic missile which is launched from submarines; and two USSR rockets, the T-2 and the CH-10, which is similar to the rocket that launched the pay-load that hit the moon.

2. The Story - From the beginning of time, a desire to know what is on the other side of the mountain or beyond the horizon has led man on to exploration and adventure. The inventive genius of man created the prairie schooner and the great sailing ships which carried him farther and farther in his quest.

Even before the surface of the earth had been fully explored, man was curious about the space above it. The invention of the airplane and its first successful flight in 1903 saw the beginning of the exploration of this boundless area.

3. Famous Rocket Flights -

4. How Rockets Work - The vast and boundless space around the earth appears to hold nothing because we cannot see it or touch it. But as we know, the earth is surrounded for a few miles above its surface by atmosphere or air (Plate I) and this air is really quite solid. You can feel it if you hold a piece of cardboard on the palm of your hand and swing it broadside through the air. Planes make use of this air to fly. Sailboats are propelled through the water by making use of the air in the form of wind.

5. Identifying Rockets - Most rockets have very few external parts, though in­ternally some of them are extremely complicated. The body which encases the inner parts of a rocket is known as the air frame. This houses the combustion chamber, the fuel tanks, the devices by which the rocket is guided, and the nose cone. The nose cone, which is located at the upper tip of the rocket, is where the warhead or payload is carried.

6. Tools + Materials - You will need only a few ordinary tools and materials to make the models in this book: a saw to cut the wooden dowels to the correct lengths; a knife for the rough shaping of some of the parts; a pair of scissors to cut out the paper and cardboard parts; two sand­paper blocks (which you will learn how to make) to shape and smooth the models; and masking tape and rubber bands to hold some of the parts together while the cement is drying.

7. Make Rockets - Read all the instructions in this chapter carefully before picking out the model you would like to make first.

Select some out-of-the-way place to work. If you do not have a workbench of your own, the top of a table will do, but be sure your parents do not mind your using it. It will be helpful to have two boxes, one in which to keep the materials for your rockets and the other for your tools.

8. Make Rockets #2 - The Jupiter, a surface-to-surface weapon, was the first American intermediate-range ballistic missile to be launched successfully. The missile was developed by the Army, but was later turned over to the Air Force for operation in the field.

This rocket can carry either a nuclear or high-explo­sive warhead to a distance of from 1200 to 1500 miles. It travels at a speed of 10,000 miles per hour.

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