Air Rocketry

The challenge

Design and launch an air-powered rocket while demonstrating creativity, stability and an understanding of basic rocket principles.

• ✓Build a lightweight air-powered rocket using safe and suitable materials.
• ✓The rocket should be designed and assembled by the participating students.
• ✓The design should demonstrate stability during launch and flight.
• ✓Teams should be able to explain the basic science behind their design.

What you need to do

Your team will prepare a working rocket and demonstrate it at the competition venue.

• ✓Design and construct your rocket before arriving at the venue.
• ✓Test your model carefully before the final launch.
• ✓Be prepared to explain the design, materials and working principle.
• ✓Follow all instructions provided by the event coordinators.
• ✓Make sure the final model is safe to operate.

Materials and preparation

Teams are encouraged to experiment with simple, lightweight materials while keeping safety as the highest priority.

• ✓Use lightweight and non-hazardous construction materials.
• ✓Avoid sharp, explosive, pressurised or otherwise dangerous components.
• ✓Bring your completed model and any permitted supporting materials to the venue.
• ✓Keep the design practical enough to be demonstrated safely.

Evaluation

Projects will be evaluated on design thinking, scientific understanding and the performance of the final model.

Safety rules

Safety takes priority throughout preparation, testing and the final demonstration.

• ✓Follow all instructions given by event coordinators.
• ✓Do not use combustible, explosive or hazardous materials.
• ✓Do not modify equipment supplied at the venue without permission.
• ✓Only participating students and authorised mentors may enter the designated activity area.
• ✓Any unsafe model may be disqualified from the launch.