Rockets Away

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In this activity, learners build a simple "rocket" with ordinary household materials to demonstrate the basic principles behind rocketry and the principle of reaction. This activity can be completed indoors or experimented with outdoors using a much longer piece of string.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 14
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • 1 ball of string at least 30 feet (9 meters) long
  • 1 plastic soda straw
  • 1 roll of masking tape
  • 1 pair of scissors
  • Several balloons
  • 1 measuring tape

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
      • Probes, Satellites and Spacecraft
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Aerospace Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Momentum and Velocity
      • Projectile Motion
    • States of Matter
      • Gases
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Outdoor Activity

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

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Access Rights:

  • Free access

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