Rubberband Rockets

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This fun and simple activity is a rubberband rocket design challenge! Learners will explore how tail fins can help to stabilize a flying object, while also exploring potential and kinetic energy. The activity, which can be used alone or as part of a visit to COSI, is located on page 10 of COSI's Force and Motion Teacher Guide.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per student
Age Range:
Ages 14 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Plastic straws
  • Scissors
  • Paper clips
  • Paper
  • Staples and stapler
  • Rubber Bands

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
      • Probes, Satellites and Spacecraft
  • Physical Sciences
    • Energy
      • Potential and Kinetic Energy
    • Motion and Forces
      • Projectile Motion
      • Newton's Laws
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Source Collection

  • Field Trips & Group Visits

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, COSI Columbus, 2009