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How to Build a Rocket?
ENGINEERING&TECHNOLOGY, PHYSICAL SCIENCES
Curiosity trigger
In teams, the students will build model rockets, which they will test fire into the air.
Authors
Author: Szymon Gryś
Methodology: Monika Zwierko
Translation: Jason Lowther
Producer: Marta Przywara
Methodology: Monika Zwierko
Translation: Jason Lowther
Producer: Marta Przywara
Source
This lesson plan is a modification of one created by the Children’s University Foundation under the CC-BY-NC-SA 3.0 license.
Objectives & vocabulary
During the lesson students build a model rocket and test it out. While building their physical models they should show how the shape of the object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem. They test how their model works and they analyze data from these tests. They practice creative problem-solving and critical thinking and drawing conclusions.
Objectives:
Objectives:
- The students know what a spacecraft is and how it works.
- The students construct a model rocket from the indicated materials, test how it works and make changes to it so that the physical model solves a given problem.
- The students are able to draw conclusions from the tests they perform and talk about them.
Vocabulary: spacecraft, rocket, launch of a space shuttle
Course of lesson
At the beginning the students watch a film showing the launch of a NASA space shuttle. After the film, they discuss and learn some interesting facts about spacecraft. They then conduct an experiment with a balloon, during which they observe the same law of physics that applies to the flight of a rocket. The main task of the class is to construct in teams a model rocket capable of flying upward in the air. While building their rockets they conduct an aerodynamic test and make any possible corrections. After building their rockets the students check whether they can fly in the air - they conduct their rocket tests outside.
In the assessment, the students compare the launch of a rocket with the take-off of a plane.
In the assessment, the students compare the launch of a rocket with the take-off of a plane.
What you get & what you need
The lesson plan includes detailed instructions on how to build a model rocket and carry out the tests, together with instruction photos with illustrations as well as a film showing you how to test fire a rocket. You also receive background knowledge about spacecraft, which will make it easier for you to conduct the class.
The materials that you should find yourself are as follows: balloons, plastic bottles, tennis bowls, foam, construction paper, colored paper, sticky tape, scissors, a rubber band, string, air hand pump, a cork from a bottle, drill, a funnel and water.
The materials that you should find yourself are as follows: balloons, plastic bottles, tennis bowls, foam, construction paper, colored paper, sticky tape, scissors, a rubber band, string, air hand pump, a cork from a bottle, drill, a funnel and water.