Rocket Wind Tunnel

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In this activity, learners evaluate the potential performance of air rockets placed inside a wind tunnel. Learners measure the rocket's resistance to the flow of air in the tunnel and use the data to construct better rockets. The wind tunnel is prepared by the educator before the activity, but can be built by learners with adult supervision. This lesson plan includes instructions on how to build and use a wind tunnel, extensions, and sample data sheets.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
1 to 2 hours
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
Over $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Paper concrete tube form (8" or 12" by 4')
  • Beam balance or electronic scale (sensitive to 0.1 grams)
  • Balance or some other weight
  • Thin wire coat hanger
  • Nail (about 16D by 3")
  • 2 small screw eyes
  • String
  • Duct Tape
  • Transparency paper or clear cellophane
  • Small electric fan
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Wire cutter
  • Box cutter
  • Ruler
  • Toilet paper roll tubes (about 24)
  • Hot glue
  • Flashlight
  • Adhesive or gummed paper reinforcing wings
  • High Power Paper Rockets
  • Data sheets
  • Pencils

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Structure
      • Atmosphere
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Aerospace Engineering
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
    • Measurement
      • Size and Scale
    • Number and Operations
  • Physical Sciences
    • Energy
      • Work and Machines
    • Motion and Forces
      • Gravity
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Mass and Weight
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Asking Questions
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Research and Development
      • Problem Solving
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Informal Categories

  • Model Building
  • Outdoor Activity
  • Toys
  • Transportation

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

Includes assesments for student learning:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • NASA

Rights: