Mini Missions: Introduction to Rocketry and Newton's Laws

Grades 4-12; 70 min

Topics Covered

History of Rockets, Current Events in Rocketry, Newton’s Laws

Overview

Students will:

  • Learn about significant milestones in rocketry, from ancient Chinese fire arrows to the Space Race, Apollo program, and model rocketry.
  • Explore the present and future of space exploration, such as reusable rockets and missions to Mars.
  • Apply Newton’s Laws of Motion to understand the mechanics of rocket propulsion and flight with a hands-on experiment.

Materials

Each Student Needs:

  • Poster paper and pens
  • Film canister
  • Alka-Seltzer tablets
  • Paper towels
  • Water
  • Timer
  • Safety glasses

Each Classroom Needs:

  • Slide presentation
  • Access to the internet for research

Standards

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4-PS3-1

Use evidence to construct an explanation relating the speed of an object to the energy of that object.

4-PS3-4

Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.

5-PS2-1

Support an argument that the gravitational force exerted by Earth on objects is directed down.

3-5-ETS1-2

Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

MS-PS2-2

Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object’s motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object.

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.

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Live, Online Training and 1:1 Support!

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Learn About Model Rocket Safety!

Not sure how to safely launch a rocket with your group? Head over to our dedicated Safety instructions page for videos, support, and more!
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