Ms. Amy's Blog @Child Central Station

Yesterday, we walked you through how to make plastic file folder rockets.  Today, I have a video for you to make the pvc pipe launcher: (I forgot to add electrical tape to the list of supplies needed in the video- sorry!) Here's a recap: Step 1: Gather Your Supplies: For this launcher, you will need: Plastic Wrap 20 oz bottle Electrical Tape 1/2" pvc pipe connectors: 2 end caps 1 - 4 way cross 1 - 45 or 90 degree elbow 1/2" pvc pipe in the following lengths: 1 - 18.5" piece 1 - 8" piece 2 - 6" pieces 1 - 2.5" piece (Cutting pvc pipe is quite simple with a handheld pipe cutter) Step 2: Build the Base Begin to build your launcher with the 4-way cross.  Add the 18.5" pipe out one end. (The other end of this pipe will be where you will add the bottle at a later time.) Add the 2.5" piece opposite the 18.5" pipe. On the opposite end of the 2.5" pipe...

I know this is the post that some of you have been waiting for! Thank you for your patience! I don't mean to keep you waiting longer- but due to the length of the videos and the steps involved, I have split this post into two! Today, we are going to learn how to make the rockets! Tomorrow- we will walk through how to create the launchers! Mr. Allan aka "Astronaut Al" stars in the wonderful silent movie walking you through all of the steps. If you aren't much for videos- I thought I would describe the steps for you too: Step 1: Gather your supplies .  You will need: Translucent File Folders Electrical Tape Scissors and/or exacto knife Ruler 12" long piece of 1/2" PVC pipe Step 2: Cut Your Pieces If you trim the folder to cut off the edges that bind the folder together, you will be able to open the folder up, cut it in half along the crease line. This will give you 2 pieces that are approximately 8" x...

If you've been following the  training page , or my  Facebook,  you know I've been on the road a lot! Last week, I had the opportunity to present here in Marquette. We had a fabulous time playing with science. One of the things I like to do with all of my training sessions is to provide participants with something to take home that they can use IMMEDIATELY with the children they work with.  Throughout the summer,  we have been making air powered bottle rockets! These rockets are quite simple to make, and with the bottle version are great for improving fine motor skills. Each time a child squeezes the bottle, they are working on strengthening those muscles! Another adaptation of this rocket is just to use the straws. This form often produces a lot of "spit", BUT is fantastic for children who need some extra help developing muscles around their mouth that help with speech :).   (Leeanne has a great tutorial for the plain straw ones over at Kreat...