Build a Construction Paper Rocket

1. Get to know the rocket parts.

A. Nose Cone: The pointed top of the rocket. It helps the rocket cut through the air smoothly. 

B. Fuselage (Body): The long middle section. It holds the rocket's fuel, engine, and  sometimes what it is carrying (its payload). 

C. Fins: The triangle-shaped parts at the bottom of the rocket. They help keep the rocket flying straight. 

D. Engine Nozzles: Engines are the powerful part that burns fuel and oxygen to make very hot, high-pressure gas.

E. Hot Gas:  That hot gas rushes out through the nozzle to create thrust. Thrust pushes the rocket upward.

2. Cut construction paper into your rocket parts. 

• Fuselage (Body): One tall rectangle about the length of your hand
• Nose Cone: One triangle. One side should be equal to the short side of the fuselage (body).
• Fins: Two small thin triangle (△) or trapezoids (☖).
• Engine Nozzles: Two to three small circles or rectangles. They should all fit at the bottom of the fuselage.
• Fuel Flames: Three to five thin strips or triangles that point down. We recommend you use yellow, orange, or red paper. 

3. Build your rocket using the construction paper shapes. 

• Pick a background paper.
• Fuselage (Body): Place the long rectangle in the middle of your paper, standing up, but don’t glue yet.
• Nose Cone: Add to the top of the fuselage, matching the side of the triangle that's the same size as the top of the rocket.
• Fins: Put one on each side of the fuselage at the bottom.
• Engine Nozzles: Add the small circles or rectangles to the bottom edge of the fuselage.
• Fuel Flames: Place these thin strips or triangles under the engine nozzles, so they look like they're coming out of the nozzles.
• Slide the pieces around until they look right.
• Glue or tape all the pieces down. 

3. Optional: Decorate and add details

You could add: 

• A door or hatch (a small rectangle)
• Stripes
• A mission badge