Engineering Estes Rockets Level 2 - Unit Plan

Overview

In this unit, students will answer the question, How is the altitude attained by a model rocket affected by the dimensions of the body tube, its mass distribution, and its fin configuration?

Estes recently announced a student competition for the design and build of a model rocket that can reach the highest altitude using parts found in the Designer’s Special kit. As part of the competition, students will make a video commercial introducing their rocket design and launch results to the judges.

This model rocket project will be focused on predicting and designing for stability while trying to reach a maximum altitude. Students will explore different factors that affect stability - geometry, mass distribution, and fin shape and configuration. In their commercial, students will communicate to the judges how they came up with their design and show the results of their launch.

Materials

Each Student Needs:

Student Portfolio

Safety Goggles

Clipboard

The Class Needs:

Slide Presentation

Designer's Special Kits

B6-4 Engines

Estes Altimeter

Lifetime Launch System

Hobby Knife

Scale

Camera

Access to Google Suite

Video editor of students’ choice

Tape

String

Glue

Meter Sticks

Scrap cardboard/ thick poster board

Pens, pencils, colored markers, paint (optional)

Scissors

8.5” x 11” Cardstock

Clay

For this Unit Plan

Standards

HS-ETS 1-2

Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.

HS-PS 2-1

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.

SEPs

Planning and carrying out investigations
Analyzing and interpreting data
Using mathematics
Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

CCCs

Structure and function
Stability and change

WHST.9-12.7

Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation

SL.11-12.5

Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.

MP.2

Reason abstractly and quantitatively.

MP.4

Model with mathematics.

HSN-Q.A.1

Use units as a way to understand problems and to guide the solution of multi-step problems; choose and interpret units consistently in formulas; choose and interpret the scale and the origin in graphs and data displays.

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Vocabulary

Air Resistance

The force resulting from air creating friction on an object, magnitude dependent on surface area

Altimeter

A device that can measure its height from a zero ground position

Apogee

The peak altitude of a model rocket

Assembly

A set of parts put together in a purposeful way or according to design

Body Tube

The portion of a rocket that houses most of the parts

Center of Gravity

The point on an object where the weight on either side is balanced with the other

Center of Pressure

The point on an object where the air flow from all directions is balanced

Drag

The force that opposes motion due to various factors including air resistance

Engine (model rocket)

A miniature non-metallic solid fuel rocket motor that contains propellant and may contain a delay element and an ejection charge. Designed to impart force to accelerate the rocket during flight and to activate the recovery system at or near maximum altitude.

Fins

Passive stabilizing and guiding unit of a model rocket; an aerodynamic surface projecting from the rocket body for the purpose of giving the rocket direction and stability.

Force

A push/pull on an object resulting from interaction with another object, either with or without contact.

Launch Lug

A round, hollow tube that slips over the launch rod to guide the model during the first few feet of flight until sufficient airspeed is reached to allow the fins to function.

Launch System

Stable launching rod, remote starter system, and other components needed to launch a model rocket.

Nose Cone

The forwardmost part of the rocket.

Recovery system

A device incorporated into a model rocket for the purpose of returning it to the ground in a safe manner. Usually achieved by creating drag or lift to oppose the acceleration of gravity. All model rockets must employ a recovery system, such as a parachute.