About the Rockets Workshop Demo

The Rockets Workshop demo is a scaled-down version of the actual "Rockets Workshop" design software created by The Science Connection. This web site demo was designed to have a similar look and feel of the real program, however, many of the variables are not available for modification in the demo. Every-so-often the variables that are not under your control will be reset, so be sure to visit regularly and try the new model.

The Rockets Workshop design software was created to allow performance testing of various 2-liter bottle rocket designs in conjunction with the Rockets Away learning program.

A brief overview of the parameters in the Demo are listed here to help you get the best performance out of your rocket...

Your Name (For entry in Top Rocketeer list)
This is only posted if your launch is ranked among the highest for the current rocket design. But watch out! You may find your name has been bumped from the list by someone better. So visit often if you want to maintain your status as a "Top Rocketeer."

E-mail Address (If you want to be notified)
If your launch makes it into the Top Rocketeers list and is bumped off by another rocketeer, you'll receive an e-mail notice letting you know this has happened. This will give you a chance to come back and try again! Also, by posting your e-mail address, you can allow others to contact you regarding your success.

Cone Weight (.3 - 15 .oz)
When properly weighted, the rocket's nose section will actually pull the rest of the rocket behind it. However, too much weight will slow its performance, just as too little weight will cause the rocket to spin around its center of gravity. Valid cone weight ranges are .3 - 15 ounces.

Body Weight (.8 - 15 .oz)
Tail Weight (.8 - 15 .oz)
Less is better for the body and tail weights. However, this program requires you to add a few ounces of weight to account for the bottle's body and tail sections, along with any materials you might add to each section like fins and tape. Valid body and tail weight ranges are .8 - 15.0 ounces.

Water (0 to 64 .oz)
Pressure (1 - 140 psi)
To make your rocket fly you could simply pressurize and launch it much like a balloon filled with air. However, to improve your rocket's performance, try adding varying amounts of water and air pressure. Remember, your rocket is an action/reaction machine. The greater the mass of water you push in one direction, the greater the push will be on the rocket. But remember, your space is limited to 2-liters. If you use too much of this space for water, you won't have enough space for the air to push it out. Valid amounts of water are between 0 - 64 ounces. Valid amounts of air are between 0 to 140 p.s.i.