NASA
Space Shuttle Ascent: Mass vs. Time
Set the stage for groups of rocket scientists to explore the change in mass of the space shuttle during ascent. Teams work together to graph actual launch data in order to determine the rate of propellent burn.
NASA
Space Shuttle Glider
Your charges will enjoy putting together this model of the space shuttle and completing the three challenge activities described in the lesson plan. The worksheets embedded in the plan that pupils use to cut out their gliders are...
Mr. E. Science
Manned Space Exploration: From Apollo to Present
How did the manned space mission program progress? The presentation covers American space exploration from the Apollo missions through the International Space Station.
Curated OER
Patterns, Functions, and Algebra: Wired for Space
Learners assess how patterns, functions and algebra can assist NASA engineers design new ways of propelling spacecrafts. They explore how electricity and magnetism are replacing the fuel-consuming rocket propulsion. Electromagnetism is...
Curated OER
Aircraft vs. Spacecraft
Students investigate differences between aircraft and spacecraft, and the differences in propulsion systems. They build pinwheel airplanes and balloon rockets. An interactive activity quizzes students on thrust.
Curated OER
Space Travel
Students study the International Space Station and space exploration. In this space travel instructional activity students describe the different types of engineers that contribute to space travel.
Messenger Education
Give Me a Boost—How Gravity Assists Aid Space Exploration
The propellant needed for space explorations runs in the thousands, while paying to get the craft into orbit costs millions! In the second installment of three, two activities explore laws of conservation of energy and momentum. Using...
Curated OER
Integrating Space Science-Ion Propulsion in Deep Space I
In this ion propulsion worksheet, students read about Deep Space I that uses ion propulsion to power the spacecraft. They learn about ion propulsion and answer three questions about it.
Curated OER
What is Momentum?
In this momentum worksheet, students will calculate the maximum forward momentum of the Apollo 11 lunar spacecraft at three different stages of its space travel.
Curated OER
Action-Reaction! Rocket
Students 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. They measure the distance...
Curated OER
Rocket Transportation
Students use problem solving skills to lift a load using a balloon rocket. They construct a rocket out of a balloon and use it to carry a paper clip payload.
Curated OER
Balloon Staging
Students explore rocketry using balloon rockets. They demonstrate how rockets can achieve greater altitudes by using the technology of staging. By using two inflated balloons that slide along a fishing line, they simulate a multistage...
Curated OER
The Math of Science-Balancing Chemical Equations
In this balancing equations worksheet, students are given directions as to how to balance equations and they practice what they learned. They complete three equations by placing the proper coefficients in front of the reactants and...
Curated OER
Balloon Staging
Students discover how rockets can reach a higher altitude by using staging. They use balloons to demonstrate this concept and then practice with rockets. They discuss the results to end the lesson.
Curated OER
Newton's Third Law of Motion
Seventh graders are introduced to Newton's Third Law of Motion. In this physics lesson students examine the concept of thrust as one of the forces acting on aircraft.