Curated OER
Pop Rockets
Young scholars work together to design and build a paper rocket. They place a propellant in the contraption to make it fly. They discover Newton's third law of motion.
Carnegie Mellon University
Bathtub Model
Using a colorful infographic handout and a guide sheet, hold a class discussion about how a bathtub can serve as a model for the greenhouse effect created by Earth's atmosphere. Participants will understand that as energy or matter is...
Center for Math and Science Education
Solar System Launch
Trying to understand the vastness of outer space can be quite a challenge for young scientists. Help put things in perspective with this cross-curricular activity as students work in pairs creating scaled models of the solar system,...
Curated OER
TECH:Model Rocketry - Air Powered (Trans)
Students describe the evolution of rocketry and the impacts of aerospace technology. They explain the basic principles of flight and basic physics of motion. Students design, construct, and launch a small rocket.
Curated OER
Systems, UP, Up and Away!
Students discuss rockets and how they work. Students research basic information about the Space Shuttle. Students work in collaborative groups creating "rockets" with empty film canisters. Students launch their "rockets" and record...
Curated OER
Altitude Tracking
Learners 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
Students 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 rocket...
Curated OER
Water Rocket
Young scholars study the basic operation of a water rocket. In this propulsionlesson students complete several experiments on constructing a bottle rocket launcher.
Curated OER
3-2-1 Pop!
Students investigate how rocket liftoff demonstrates Newton's Laws of Motion. They participate in a class discussion, and construct a rocket powered by the pressure generated from an antacid tablet reacting with water.
Curated OER
Balloon Rocket
Students observe a balloon rocket and how it relates to Newton's Third Law of Motion. In this balloon rocket lesson plan, students make a balloon rocket out of balloons, clothespins, straw, fishing line, and duct tape.
Curated OER
Up, Up and Away
Fourth graders design and launch rockets. For this rocket lesson, 4th graders observe the changes in outcome caused by size and fuel variables. Students navigate the NASA website to learn the parts of a rocket. Students load the...
Curated OER
Rocket Physics
Students investigate the relationship between impulse, momentum, kinetic and potential energy and aerodynamic drag. In this physics lesson, students calculate data taken from launching a rocket. They compare the theoretical and actual...
Curated OER
Look Ma! I'm a Rocket Scientist!
Students use a ball to push and pull to demonstrate the concept of force. In this force lesson plan, students talk about the importance of force in space and use balls to demonstrate this phenomena.
Curated OER
Rockets on a Shoestring Budgut
Learners work together to create rockets on a budget. They discover the limitations that real engineers face when designing and testing their products. They discuss their findings to complete the lesson.
Curated OER
Hide and Seek Rocket
Students cut out and color their own rocket. They use clues in relation to numbers and words to find hidden rockets. They ask each other questions to determine the exact location.
Curated OER
Rocketing in Math and Sciences
Students make a rocket out of paper. They follow the given instructions and test to see if it will fly. They write about the experiment and are given the opportunity to change their varibles to make their rocket work.
Curated OER
Newton Rocket Car
Young scholars observe a demonstration of Newton's third law of motion using a small wooden car. They discuss Newton's third law of motion and what happens to motion if the mass or acceleration is increased, construct their car, and...
DiscoverE
Spaceship to Mars
Feel like a rocket scientist for the day. Using only paper and tape, scholars create a framework for a spaceship to Mars. Each sheet of paper costs $10 million and each piece of tape costs $100,000. Make sure you stay within budget!
Curated OER
Physics of Space Flight
In this space flight learning exercise, students will review physics terms relating to space which includes measuring the distance of space objects, how rockets work, and electromagnetic waves. This learning exercise has 10 terms in a...
Curated OER
Rocket Launch
High schoolers participate in design and engineering activities pertaining to model and real rockets. They observe the launch a model rocket.
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
Light but Strong: A Lesson in Engineering
Aspiring space engineers design a rocket launch platform together to explore materials. The platform needs to be lightweight so that it can be transported easily, but super strong so that it can support the weight of the rocket and its...
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...
Curated OER
3-2-1 Blast Off!
Students explore physics by participating in a flight experiment. In this rocket design lesson, students discuss the scientific process and how chemical reaction can create the energy needed to boost a rocket. Students utilize...