Simon wanted to build a model rocket with me. We had built a simple model once before - an Estes Alpha III, which is a great beginner's kit for parents and kids who've never built a model rocket before. It's very easy to put together, and can be completed in about 15 minutes, a perfect STEM or STEAM project to do with your children.
This time around, believe it or not, I didn't have a good kit for us to work on. I have tons of model rocket kits, but a lot of them are single, out-of-production rockets you can't get anymore, or complicated builds. I like to spend a lot of time making my rockets look nice before I go out and fly them (and hopefully don't lose them in a tree), but when working with kids, you usually want to build quickly or you'll lose their attention. There's time for them to learn the finer parts of craft as they develop their manual dexterity.
So instead of digging out a rocket I wasn't sure I even had, I decided we'd design a model rocket together. This isn't as hard as it sounds, especially if you use free software like OpenRocket (https://openrocket.info/). I have tons of parts, so essentially we created our own kit.
Simon wanted two sets of fins, so we did that. We flew the rocket twice in Acton, MA with my club, and had a great time.
Model rocketry is a fun, safe, STEM hobby practiced by kids and adults around the country and around the world. For more information on model rocketry or to find a club within the United States, visit the National Association of Rocketry's website, https://www.nar.org/. For information on model rocket safety, see the Model Rocket Safety Code - https://www.nar.org/safety-information/model-rocket-safety-code/
If you want to learn more about model rocketry, here is a recommended reading list. These are Amazon affiliate links, and if you make a purchase, I will get a small commission, which helps my channel but doesn't cost you anything.
Start with The Handbook of Model Rocketry, by G. Harry Stine and Bill Stine: https://amzn.to/35XRbCY
Another great book to get you started designing and building your own is Make: Rockets: Down-to-Earth Rocket Science, by Mike Westerfield: https://amzn.to/3JkOB7z
This is my favorite hobby knife for building model rockets: https://amzn.to/3DVi330
And please like and subscribe to my channel, The Rocket N00b, where we talk about building and flying model rockets and high power rockets.
Catch ya later!
