Curated OER
Rocketry
Middle schoolers design and construct a paper rocket that can be launched with a drinking straw. They participate in a lecture and read an article about rocketry and how Newton's Third Law applies to rocket launches. Each student...
Curated OER
Model Rockets
Learners study the basics of a model rocket and its classifications. In this rocket activity students determine the flight duration of a model rocket.
Curated OER
Paper Rockets
Students design, construct, and fly paper rockets that travel the greatest distance possible across a floor model of the solar system. They construct small flying rockets out of paper and propel them by blowing air through a straw.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Blast Off!
With the use of a model rocket kit, aspiring aerospace engineers work cooperatively to construct and launch a rocket. A preparatory reading assignment is included, covering Newton's laws of motion and information about the first...
Curated OER
Physics Lab Rockets
Students construct and test balloon rockets and a model rocket. In this rocket science lesson, students use an inquiry-based method to master balloon rockets and have a shoot-off with the goal of attaining the highest altitude. Next,...
Curated OER
Altitude Tracking
Students construct simple altitude tracking devices for determining the altitude a rocket reaches in its flight. They estimate the altitude a rocket achieves during flight.
Curated OER
Launches for the Stars
Young scholars are introduced to rockets and the space shuttle program. After viewing a 1960s show, they examine the role and history of NASA and how it evolved into having a space shuttle program. In groups, they create their own model...
DiscoverE
Rocket Challenge
You might just be responsible for launching a future career in rocket science. Pupils use Alka-Seltzer® tablets as the power source for a film-canister rocket. These rockets must able to carry a clay payload and hit a target on a wall.
NASA
Marsbound! Mission to the Red Planet
It's time to go to Mars. Using the provided cards and mat, groups design a mission to Mars. The cards contain information about the different components of the launch and warn about a few mishaps that might occur along the way.
Other
National Association of Rocketry
A site dedicated to model rocketry. Information on clubs, rockets, magazines, and other subjects of interest to model rocketry enthusiasts.
NASA
Beginners Guide to Model Rockets
This resource provides numerous links that will give teachers and students an overview of rocketry.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Model Rockets Aerodynamics: Stability
This science fair project for Science Buddies lets you be the rocket scientist. See how the rocket design changes its performance. The Science Buddies project ideas are set up consistently beginning with an abstract, objective, and...
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Model Rockets
Explore how the materials and shape of a rocket affect its performance. Watch kids use the scientific method to figure out how to build a model rocket that will reach 1,600 feet.
NASA
Nasa: Rocket Modeler Iii 1.2h Beta
This NASA program offers users the opportunity to understand rocket design by working with variable values. Java is needed for RocketModeler III 1.2h to run.
NASA
Nasa: Adventures in Rocket Science Educator Guide
This NASA educator's guide provides teachers with an outline for teaching students about rocketry. There are many hands-on activities where students can learn about and build rockets.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Into Space!
While building and testing model rockets fueled by antacid tablets, students are introduced to the basic physics concepts on how rockets work. Students revise and improve their initial designs. Note: This activity is similar to the...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: The Optimal Bottle Rocket Launch
Students build rocket models designed for gaining the maximum height. They use a compressed air rocket launcher and 2-liter plastic bottles. They will also use an online simulator to help them make predictions and adjustments to their...
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Lift Off!
Observe kids building a model rocket. See how they use the scientific method to figure out how to make sensors for their rocket.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Solid Motor Rocket Propulsion
What does it take to launch a satellite to explore Mars, or a mission to the moon? This project has several possible variations for exploring the physics of rockets. This is rocket science.
NASA
Nasa: Rockets Educator Guide: Rocket Races
This lesson allows students to create their own rockets using foam trays and drinking straws that are powered by a balloon. Students will race their rockets on a track and determine why some rockets moved faster than others.
NASA
Nasa: Rockets Educator Guide: Newton Car
This lesson gives students direction on how to experiment using gravity and force. Students will make a wooden car and use different forces to make the car propel.
NASA
Nasa: Rockets Educator Guide: Pop! Rockets
This lesson plan allows students to make a rocket with card stock paper. Students will be able to launch the rocket and then discuss the variables affecting the height of each launch.
NASA
Nasa: Rockets Educator Guide: Foam Rocket
This lesson plan shows students how to construct a rocket using pipe insulating foam. Students will investigate the relationship between launch angle and range when launching their rockets powered by rubber bands.