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Rockets shoot skyward with massive amounts of thrust, produced by chemical reaction or air pressure.  Scientists create the thrust force by shoving a lot of gas (either air itself, or the gas left over from the combustion of a propellant) out small exit nozzles.

For every action, there is equal and opposite reaction. If flames shoot out of the rocket downwards, the rocket itself will soar upwards.  It’s the same thing if you blow up a balloon and let it go—the air inside the balloon goes to the left, and the balloon zips off to the right (at least, initially, until the balloon neck turns into a thrust-vectored nozzle, but don’t be concerned about that just now).

A rocket has a few parts different from an airplane.  One of the main differences is the absence of wings.  Rockets utilize fins, which help steer the rocket, while airplanes use wings to generate lift.  Rocket fins are more like the rudder of an airplane than the wings.

Rocketry Introduction Video:

This is an older set of 3 videos on the Intro to Rocketry video...

Here are a couple of EXTRA Rocketry videos to get you started. The first was recorded in a studio, and the second is the same show, but with a live audience. Watch the first one before you watch the second, because the sound quality in the second is marginal and I don’t want you to miss anything!

STUDIO Rocketry & Fire Show Session

LIVE WORKSHOP Rocketry & Fire Show Workshop

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