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Learners construct a rocket from a balloon propelled along a guide string. They use this model to learn about Newton's three laws of motion, examining the effect of different forces on the motion of the rocket. This activity can be combined with other activities to create a larger lesson. Resource contains vocabulary definitions and suggestions for assessment, extensions, and scaling for different levels of learners.
- Under 5 minutes
- 30 to 45 minutes
- 1 cent - $1 per group of students
- Ages 11 - 18
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- Plastic drinking straw
- Plastic bag, about the size of an inflated balloon
- Paper streamers
- 25 ft. of fishing line (20-50g weight) or string (nylon [slippery] string works better than twine [rough])
- Long, tube-shaped balloon
- Tape measure or meter stick
Subjects
-
Physical Sciences
-
Energy
- Potential and Kinetic Energy
-
Motion and Forces
- Momentum and Velocity
- Acceleration
- Newton's Laws
-
Energy
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Duren, Sabre ; Heavner, Ben ; Schaefer Zarske, Malinda ; Carlson, Denise
Source Collection
- TeachEngineering
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Regents of the University of Colorado, 2004
Funding Sources:
- Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE)
- U.S. Department of Education
- National Science Foundation, 0226322