INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Choose a large field free of debris, power lines, trees, or buildings. Make sure there isn't any dry flammable material near the launch site (such as dry leaves, twigs etc.)  Football fields, parks, and playgrounds can be good sites for a model rocket launch. Be sure to check park and playground rules to make sure you are permitted to use the area for a rocket launch. Different sized rockets require different sized launch areas. For example, a rocket with engine size A would require a 100' x 100' launch area. The instructions on your model rocket launch kit should specify what size engine and launch area you need. Make sure all spectators are at a safe distance away from the launch system. It is also a good idea to position several people to act as trackers as rockets can launch very high and fast, making them difficult to track down once they make landing. A model rocket launch system consists of two things: a launch pad and a launch controller.  Most rocket launch kits will come with a launch pad and launch controller. Most rocket launch systems require some assembly. You should assemble the rocket launch system before you begin to assemble the model rocket itself. Most launch pads consist of several parts: a 3-4 leg platform to provide stability on uneven ground, a launch rod to control the angle of the model rocket at launching, and a deflector plate to protect the launch pad from being damaged by the rocket engine when it is ignited. Follow the instructions provided with the kit or launch pad to assemble these properly. There are several types of launch pads, and you should always the appropriate one for your type of model rocket. The instructions for your model rocket or kit will tell you which type is required.   The next component of the rocket launch system is the launch controller, a piece of electrical equipment that ignites the rocket igniter attached to the model rocket by supplying appropriate voltage to cause the igniter to burn. Some of these connect to an external battery to provide this voltage. This controller will be connected to the model rocket later via wire and clips. You will need a rocket body and nose cap, recovery wadding, the recovery system, an igniter, the model rocket engine, and engine mount.   First, insert the recovery wadding into the rocket through the nose cone end. Recovery wadding is a type of flame resistant material that will protect the model rocket from flames during the ejection of the model rocket engine. Without the wadding, the parachute or recovery system will melt. Be sure not to pack this material too tight or the recovery system may not eject properly during launch.   Second, fold insert the parachute or recovery system into the tube of the model rocket body. Third, place the nose cone back onto the rocket body. Fourth, install the igniter into the model rocket engine, as per the instructions in your kit or with the igniter. The model rocket engine is what powers the flight of the rocket.  Lastly, insert the model rocket engine into the engine mount, the portion of the model rocket that houses the engine. In many cases, this will be a system of hooks inside the rocket tube or a separate kit for assembly will be included. Be sure to check your instructions with your model rocket kit to see what is required for assembling the engine mount.

SUMMARY: Select a rocket launch site. Choose a central location within the launch site for the launch system. Prepare the model rocket launch system. Prepare the rocket for launching.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: You can use any sturdy thread that you like, but some work better than others. Heavy embroidery floss is a good choice because it’s strong and comes in a variety of colors. However, you can also use clear fishing line, which is even stronger and won’t show up if there are any gaps in the garland.  If you don’t have any thread or fishing line on hand, you can even use dental floss to string your popcorn. In fact, using a waxed variety can make the task even easier because the kernels will easily slide along the floss.  If you’re using thread for your garland, consider using red, green, or a shade that matches the decorating scheme for the rest of the tree in case it shows in any gaps between the popcorn. If you're making a garland longer than 5 feet, it's best to leave the thread attached to the spool so it's easier to work with. However, cutting the thread in lengths of 5 feet or less makes them more manageable, and you can always connect them later by tying the ends together for longer garlands. Thin needles typically work best when you’re making a popcorn garland. Choose one with a large eye too, so it’s easier thread. Make sure to tie a knot at the end of the thread to ensure the kernels don't fall off when you begin to string them. You’ll want to push the needle directly through the center of the kernel and pull it through to the end of the thread. Continue adding popcorn until the garland is full. There shouldn't be any gaps between the pieces of popcorn, so push the kernels all the way down to keep them tightly strung on the thread as you go.  Get creative with your garlands by mixing the popcorn with other items, such as fresh cranberries, dried orange, lemon, or lime slices, and cinnamon sticks.  You can create striking patterns by alternating the other items with the popcorn. Fresh cranberries start to go bad after a couple of days, though, so you’ll want to spray the garland with shellac before putting it on the tree. You can also dress up your garland by dotting the popcorn kernels with craft glue and sprinkling colorful glitter across them. Allow the glue to dry fully before placing the popcorn string on your tree. You'll need to leave enough thread at the other end of the string so you can tie another knot to keep the popcorn in place.  If you plan to connect several shorter garlands, make sure that there is enough thread at the end of each so you can tie them together. If you're making a long garland and left the thread attached to the spool, you'll need to cut it when you finish the string. Then just tie off the end with a knot as you would with a shorter garland to secure it.

SUMMARY:
Choose your thread. Cut the thread. Thread the needle. String the popcorn. Secure the finished garland.