Overview:

In this project, students will need to construct a model rocket using a kit. The ultimate goal is to build a properly functioning rocket and to witness the concepts of force, momentum, and energy first hand.
• Specifics:
  • The functioning portion of the rocket must be a store-bought chemical engine.
  • The student may choose to add decorative elements and/or other funtioning portions to the body of the rocket.
  • Students will have to decide what size engine to use in their rocket from those specified by the manufacturer.
  • For safety reasons, the engine size will be limited. Students should use the recommended 1st flight engine in most cases.
  • Students will not be responsible for building a launching platform.

Objectives/Standards:

The objective of this project is to expose students to the concepts of force, impulse, momentum, energy, and Newton's Laws of Motion.

Timeline:

The timeline for this project should begin with an introduction and safety discussion on the first day. The next 4-5 days should be used as in-class construction days for the students. Two days will be needed for painting and detail work. Finally, about three days will be needed for launching. In total, plan for about 10 class periods to be used.

Materials:

Construction materials:

The materials for this project should be provided by the student. Students should be given enough time in advance to acquire the necessary funds to purchase a rocket kit. Give students a cost estimate and ordering information to help them get started.

engines

Testing Materials:

The teacher will provide a launching pad for students to experiment with during the construction process. The teacher should also supply the launch controller. See the Helpful Hints for details about the launching pad and controller.

Assessment:

The assessment portion of this project will be based on three items:

1. Quality of construction/appearance - A small portion of each student's grade should be based on the overall quality of his/her tested design. A well made and thoroughly constructed design should earn more points that a carelessly constructed rocket. This will serve to reward students who invest time into their project.
2. Rocket flight - Each student's model rocket will be assigned a grade based on the performance of their rocket.
3. The paper - Each student's paper should be graded based on the quality of the explanation of the device. (Sample paper template.)

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