Straw Rocket Launch Challenge | STEM Engineering Activity | Newton’s 3rd Law & Air Pressure | Grades 3–10

Straw Rocket Challenge

Students design and build a paper rocket that launches using air pressure only—then test, tweak, and compete to see whose rocket flies the farthest. High engagement, low prep, big learning.

Straw Rocket Challenge

Quick Overview:
Using paper, tape, and a straw, students create a rocket that must launch from the straw and fly at least 3 feet to count. They get 20 minutes to design, build, and test multiple versions, recording distances and improving their designs.

Straw Rocket Challenge

What’s Included:

• Simple student directions + rules/constraints
  Straw Rocket Challenge
  
• Design & Testing worksheet (plan, predict, multiple launch data table, best results)
  Straw Rocket Challenge
  
• Reflection + class data patterns + real-world connections
  Straw Rocket Challenge
  
• Extension challenges (target practice, height challenge, two-stage rocket, precision)
  Straw Rocket Challenge
  

Concepts Covered:
Newton’s Third Law, air pressure, thrust, drag, stability (fins), and design optimization.

Straw Rocket Challenge

Materials Needed:
Paper, tape, scissors, plastic straw, measuring tape (decorating supplies optional).

Straw Rocket Challenge

Keywords:
straw rocket, rocket STEM, Newton’s third law activity, air pressure experiment, forces and motion, engineering design challenge, upper elementary science, middle school STEM