Cardboard Tube Rocket Launcher STEM Project for Kids

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Looking for a simple yet exciting STEM activity for kids? This cardboard tube rocket launcher is the perfect hands-on science experiment! Using just a few household materials, kids can explore gravity, force, and trajectory while launching soft projectiles into the air.

This is a budget-friendly STEM project that encourages creativity, problem-solving, and engineering skills. Plus, it’s easy to customize, making it perfect for classrooms, homeschool activities, or just an afternoon of fun at home!

This activity idea came from the book This is Rocket Science by Emma Vanstone who writes over at the fabulous website Science Sparks. This fun book has 70 fun solar system themed experiments and activities. There are 160 pages of full color pictures and science explanations for each topic. It is a FUN book to purchase for any science lovers out there.

STEM Learning Concepts: What Kids Learn from This Rocket Launcher

This DIY rocket launcher is more than just fun—it’s a science and engineering challenge! Kids will explore:

• Newton’s Third Law of Motion: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Pulling back on the inner tube stores potential energy, which is converted into kinetic energy when released.
• Gravity & Trajectory: Watch how the pom-poms travel through the air and experiment with different launch angles.
• Elastic Energy: The rubber band acts as a simple elastic-powered mechanism, demonstrating how stored energy can create motion.
• Fine Motor Skills & Engineering: Threading the rubber band, assembling the launcher, and decorating the rocket all promote hands-on problem-solving skills.

Watch it in action:

How to Make a Cardboard Tube Rocket Launcher

Supplies Needed

To create this DIY rocket blaster, you’ll need:

• 2 cardboard tubes (one slightly smaller than the other) – around 12 inches long each
• 1 rubber band
• Cardstock or a plastic lid (to cover the top of the inner tube)
• Tape
• Stickers or markers (for decorating)
• Screwdriver or sharp tool (to poke holes)
• Pom-poms (for launching)

Tip: A wrapping paper tube and a mailing tube work well together since one fits inside the other.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cut the Cardboard Tubes

Trim both cardboard tubes to about 12 inches long. The smaller tube should fit easily inside the larger one.

2. Cover One End of the Inner Tube

Attach a piece of cardstock or a plastic lid to one end of the smaller tube using glue or tape. This closed end will help create the launching effect.

3. Punch Holes for the Rubber Band

• Use a screwdriver or sharp tool to make two holes in the center of the smaller tube.
• Next, create two holes in the larger tube, about 1 inch from the bottom, ensuring they line up with the holes in the inner tube.

4. Insert the Rubber Band

• Cut the rubber band so it’s a long strip.
• Thread the rubber band through the holes in both tubes. (Tweezers may help!)
• Secure the rubber band to the outer tube with tape to hold it in place.

5. Decorate Your Rocket Launcher

Let your kids get creative! Use stickers, paint markers, or whatever you want to make it fancy. You couldadd some fins with some extra cardboard, or paper.  Or make it even more detailed by adding or drawing different parts of the rocket.

Step 6: Launch the Rocket!

• Place a pom-pom inside the launcher (or try marshmallows!)
• Pull back the smaller tube and release—watch as the pom-pom flies into the air!
• Experiment by pulling harder or softer to see how force affects distance.

This DIY cardboard tube rocket blaster is a fun, easy, and educational STEM activity that encourages hands-on learning. It’s perfect for homeschool science lessons, STEM clubs, classroom activities, or just a fun weekend experiment. Plus, it’s an excellent way to reuse and recycle cardboard tubes!

Have you tried this STEM rocket project with your kids? Let me know in the comments below!

See More of My Rocket STEM Projects!

Ribbon Rocket
Gravity Rocket Spinner
Film Canister Rockets
Bottle Rockets
Bathtub Bottle Rockets