Foam Rocket

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In this activity, learners work in teams build and launch rubberband-powered foam rockets. Through a controlled investigation, learners will explore rocket stability and the trajectory relationship between launch angle and range. This lesson plan includes background information, diagrams, and handouts for learners.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $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)

  • 30 cm-long piece of polyethylene foam pipe insulation (for 1/2" size pipe)
  • Rubber band (size 64)
  • Styrofoam food tray
  • 3 8" plastic cable wraps
  • 75 cm of ordinary string
  • Scissors
  • Meter stick
  • Press tack
  • Washer or nut
  • Quadrant plans printed on card stock
  • Rocket construction instructions
  • Experiment data sheet
  • Masking tape
  • Launch record sheet
  • Tape measure (for class)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
      • Probes, Satellites and Spacecraft
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Aerospace Engineering
  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
    • Geometry
      • Plane Geometry
    • Measurement
    • Number and Operations
    • Reasoning and Proof
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Machines
      • Gravity
      • Momentum and Velocity
      • Acceleration
      • Projectile Motion
      • Newton's Laws
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Problem Solving
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Informal Categories

  • Model Building
  • Transportation

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • 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:

  • Shearer, Deborah A. ; Vogt, Ed.D., Gregory L.

Rights:

  • Public domain, ,