Lesson 1: Building and Launching Initial Rockets
Duration of Days: 4
Lesson Objective
Students will construct a rocket using given, limited materials.
Student rockets wills be able to propel completely off the launcher.
Students will measure and record the distance that their rocket flies.
Students will self reflect on the performance of their rockets and generate suggestions for themselves for their final rocket builds.
What qualities do rockets need? How can you add those qualities with the materials provided?
What constraints are present with this project?
How will forces interact on the moving rocket?
Forces
Motion
HS-PS2-3 Apply scientific and engineering ideas to design, evaluate, and refine a device that minimizes the force on a macroscopic object during a collision.
HS-PS2-1 1. Analyze data to support the claim that Newton’s second law of motion describes the mathematical relationship among the net force on a macroscopic object, its mass, and its acceleration.
Students will practice recording measurements with SI units, found on the PSAT and SAT.
Students will take phenomena based learning into their own hands by forming an initial model of a rocket launched outside. Hands on learning will activate their motivation and engagement for the rest of the unit and will provide a sensory rich touchstone that will be referenced regularly as new concepts related to motion are introduced in the unit. Students will practice problem solving and modeling in real time as well as communication skills in group work.
Students will practice utilizing tools such as cutting and measuring tools as well as manipulating materials for folding, forming, and fitting shapes together. As this is a hands on activity, it is accessible to students at all levels of literacy to demonstrate understanding of concepts.
Students may try to make a model of a plane or rocket that sacrifices aesthetics over mobility.
Students may also make a model that is not functional with the air compressor launcher. The model must fit on the launcher and be completely enclosed on one end to catch the air.
Modeling
Chunking
Timers
Check Ins
Students will launch a functional projectile with the air compressor launcher. Students will make observations and take notes on the motion of their own rocket as well as their classmates. Students will reflect on the performance of what they made and begin to formulate edits to their rocket to improve it's performance.
Rocket building materials:
Cardboard
Various types of paper
Aluminum foil
Scissors or other cutting tools
Various types of glue
Various types of tapes
Examples from past students for students who need visual inspiration for how to get started
Air compressor launcher (extension cord, air compressor, PVC pipe and joiners, access to power)
Measuring tools to measure rocket flight distance
Observation and reflection journal pages