Cardboard Tube Rocket with Fins

You will need

• Cardboard tubeToilet paper or paper towel tube; wipe outside if needed

  Use a tube that held household paper goods only, not one from a chemical product; do not allow chewing.

• Card stock or thin cardboardFrom a cereal box or folder; for fins and nose cone
• Washable tempera paintTwo or three colors; red, silver gray, white work well
• PaintbrushA medium flat brush; thicker handles are easier for this age
• TapeMasking or clear tape; for attaching fins and sealing the cone
• ScissorsChild-safe; adult cuts the fin notches if needed
• Newspaper or scrap paperTo cover the work surface during painting
• Washable markersoptionalOptional; for adding windows or lettering after paint dries
• Cotton balls or tissue paperoptionalOptional; stuffed in the base to look like rocket exhaust flames

Steps

1. 1

   Paint the rocket body

   Set the tube upright on newspaper and let the child paint the outside in whatever colors they choose. Encourage them to do the whole surface including the very top edge. Set it upright to dry — about 10 minutes for tempera.

   Tip: A second thin coat once the first is dry gives a much more solid color.

2. 2

   Cut and score the fins

   While the tube dries, help the child cut three rectangles from card stock, roughly 3 to 4 inches tall and 2 inches wide. Cut a notch about 1 inch deep into one short end of each — this notch slots against the tube. The child can cut the rectangle; you handle the notch.

   Tip: Triangle fins look more rocket-like: let the child draw the triangle shape first, then cut.

3. 3

   Attach fins to the base

   Tape one fin to the outside of the tube near the bottom, with the notched end flush against the base so it stands. Space the other two evenly around the tube. Press each piece of tape down firmly. Stand the rocket and adjust until it does not tip.

   Tip: Odd numbers of fins (three) balance more easily than two or four for a freestanding tube.

4. 4

   Roll the nose cone

   Cut a rough half-circle from card stock — about 5 inches (13 cm) across the flat edge. Roll it into a cone shape that fits over the top of the tube, overlap the edges, and tape them in place. Trim the base of the cone with scissors if it is uneven.

   Tip: Hold the cone over the tube before taping so the child can see the right size, then adjust.

5. 5

   Attach the nose cone

   Place the cone over the top of the tube and fix it with two or three pieces of tape around the inside join. The child can now paint the cone to match, or use washable markers to add windows, a flag, or a number on the side of the rocket.

   Tip: Let paint dry fully before the child handles the rocket for play — 15 minutes is usually enough.

6. 6

   Add exhaust flames

   If you are using cotton balls or tissue paper for flames, let the child pull them into loose flame shapes, color them yellow or orange with marker, and tuck them into the open base of the tube. This is purely decorative and entirely up to the child.

   Tip: Orange and red tissue paper twisted and tucked in looks more like fire than cotton balls do.

Take it to the table

Materials checklist, the steps and the variations on one Letter page.