Reddit reviews Handbook of Model Rocketry, 7th Edition (NAR Official Handbook)
We found 13 Reddit comments about Handbook of Model Rocketry, 7th Edition (NAR Official Handbook). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Can't go wrong with the handbook if you like dead trees.
http://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Model-Rocketry-7th-Official/dp/0471472425/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416447676&sr=8-1&keywords=handbook+of+model+rocketry
For videos check out Apogee components youtube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/user/apogeerockets
Check out the National Association of Rocketry's website www.nar.org
Also www.tripoli.org but they are more focused on High Power, the NAR website has better beginner information.
I really like to point to starter kits as a good way to get started. They come with launch pads and proper ignition systems and instructions not only on how to build the rocket but also how to launch it.
Asking questions here is always a good idea!
This is the book you want to start with:
https://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Model-Rocketry-7th-Official/dp/0471472425
You stated you are a complete beginner. We are experienced and are trying to explain to you that you are jumping into the very complicated deep end. It is vitally important for your safety, the safety of those around you as well as the public at large and the hobby in general that the rules be adhered to. There is no need to re-invent the wheel, there is lots of experience available and lots of stuff people have already created. Safely. :)
Our hobby is an enjoyable one, but if not done safely can be extremely dangerous for you and others. It is important to learn the ropes, learn the rules and follow the safety codes. Both NAR and Tripoli have safety codes for a reason. Scratch built motors are a Level 3 thing for a reason. Active stabilization is not allowed. And we have rules from various government agencies we have to follow. Hopefully /u/narprez will chime in as well, he has done some excellent safety talks, is the president of NAR, and is L3 certified.
Join NAR, you get lots of great materials with membership that are useful for the novice and experienced alike. Go to launches and meetings. Talk to the people, especially the certified ones and club members. Do the same with Tripoli. Take your time, study and learn. Read the previously mentioned book. Check out this book too (I don't like it as much as the first one mentioned, but it is still useful, especially for the novice):
Handbook of Model Rocketry, 7th Edition (NAR Official Handbook) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0471472425/ref=cm_sw_r_an_am_at_ws_us?ie=UTF8
So please, learn to walk before you try to learn ballroom dance. :)
In the hobby we (nearly) are all very willing to share what we know and help out.
I'm pretty sure the Handbook of Model Rocketry (made by NAR) is pretty good; I have an copy which I've looked at a little bit and it seems pretty thorough in covering the subject. It looks like there's also a kindle version, here's the amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Model-Rocketry-7th-Official/dp/0471472425
I like learning from books.
I suggest first going through this book: Handbook of Model Rocketry
Learn the concepts (things like CG, CP, thrust vs impulse, etc) and apply them by building multiple rockets with different aspects.
Once you've gotten everything you can out of that book, get this guy: Modern High-Power Rocketry 2. Work your way through it by joining a local NAR/Tripoli chapter. Get your L1 cert, spend some time there doing multiple projects. After you've done a fair amount, go get your L2. Maybe a year later, go for your L3. Projects you can do in each cert level:
Or just have fun building rockets you think look cool or are fun to fly!
Two things:
Handbook of Model Rocketry (Amazon, Local Bookstore or Library
OpenRocket - model rocket design software
Handbook of model Rocketry is a good book for basics
One of the guys on my rocket team lent me his when I wanted a good overview of everything
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0471472425/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_7q0dAbT602S5E
the Handbook of Model Rocketry, which would be geared more toward the scale you are looking at building, would also be a great place to start.
http://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Model-Rocketry-Edition-Official/dp/0471472425/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1335721652&sr=8-4 Has all the info you need for basic info. As for kits, Amazon has a number of rocketry kits for starting off.
CG is easy -- put a motor in, pack the recovery system and find the point where it balances. That's the Center of Gravity.
CP is calculated via modeling. The easiest way is RockSim or Open Rocket. It's the center of aerodynamic pressure.
Do you understand the significance of CP and CG to flight stability? If not, I'd suggest you pick up and read a copy of either Modern High Power Rocketry 2 or The Handbook of Model Rocketry
Both are very good reads with a lot of great info.
This is more focused on rocketry than space; however, this might be interesting. I have only read bits of it, but this sub has recommended it before as a relatively "gentle" introduction into rocketry, but also contains more technical material in the appendices if your child would like to forge ahead.
http://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Model-Rocketry-Edition-Official/dp/0471472425
Though it concerns model rockets, many of the basic principles are all still relevant.
There are plenty of cheap older versions out there too that cover similar material, maybe just lacking a bit on electronics and internet resources.
Edit: if they are interesting in astronomy and those aspects maybe a basic introductory parent-child project on radio astronomy or a simple telescope would be fun too!
Here is an "Itty Bitty Telescope" project to make basic radio telescope if you happen to have an old TV Dish:
http://www.aoc.nrao.edu/epo/teachers/ittybitty/procedure.html
Other radio astronomy ideas too: http://www.radio-astronomy.org/getting-started
Start here, and try out Kerbal Space Program If you want to go further (as in get a real rocketry-related job) realize that you'll need to specialize in something (structural engineering, fuel chemistry, electronic telecommunications, etc) to get a job.
Check with the National Association of Rocketry http://www.nar.org/ and look for a club near you. Attend a launch, and ask questions.
Pick up a copy of the Handbook of Model Rocketry.
https://smile.amazon.com/Handbook-Model-Rocketry-7th-Official/dp/0471472425/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=handbook+of+model+rocketry&qid=1566343391&s=gateway&sprefix=handbook+of+mo&sr=8-2