Be sure to tell the students to plan how they are going to use the paper. Let the students decide whether to cut the paper the short or long direction to make the body tube of the rocket. This will lead to rockets of different lengths for flight comparison. Some students may have difficulty in forming the cone. See the pattern at the bottom of this page.
Cones can be any size.
The film canister must have an internal-sealing lid. Film canisters are available from camera shops and stores where photographic processing takes place. These businesses recycle the canisters and are often willing to donate them for educational use. Be sure to obtain canisters with the internal sealing lid. These are usually translucent canisters.