Model Rockets

Model Rockets. Written by Joanne Maddern.

《模型火箭》，作者：乔安妮·马德恩

Lift off! 3, 2, 1, lift off! A model rocket shoots into the sky. The rocket can fly up to 1 ,500 feet, 457 meters high. Watching these small rockets fly can be fun and exciting. Model rockets aren't just for fun, though. They also teach us about science and space.

发射！ 3，2，1，发射！ 一枚模型火箭直冲云霄。 这种火箭最高能飞到1500英尺，也就是457米的高度。 看着这些小火箭飞行既有趣又刺激。 不过模型火箭可不只是用来玩乐的哦。 它们还能教我们科学和太空相关的知识。

The history of rockets. People in China invented rockets about 800 years ago. They filled tubes with gunpowder and shot them at their enemies. Later, scientists built rockets that could go into space. Starting in the 1950s, people began building model rockets for fun.

火箭的历史。 大约800年前，中国人发明了火箭。 他们把火药装进管子里，对准敌人发射。 后来，科学家们造出了能进入太空的火箭。 从20世纪50年代开始，人们为了玩乐开始制作模型火箭。

Parts of a Model Rocket A Model Rocket kit comes with all the parts a rocket needs.

模型火箭的组成部分 模型火箭套装里包含火箭所需的全部零件。

A model rocket's body is a long tube made of cardboard or plastic. The nose cone fits into the top of the tube. The size and shape of a rocket's body and nose cone can change how it flies.

模型火箭的箭身是用硬纸板或塑料制成的长管。 鼻锥安装在长管的顶端。 箭身和鼻锥的大小、形状会影响火箭的飞行状态。

Fins help the rocket fly straight. The engine burns fuel to push the rocket into the air. A parachute helps the rocket fall safely back to Earth.

尾翼帮助火箭沿直线飞行。 发动机燃烧燃料，推动火箭飞向空中。 降落伞帮助火箭安全落回地面。