Rocket Science Activities

From NASA, these activities look at the scientific, technological, engineering and mathematical foundations of rocketry to provide exciting classroom opportunities for authentic hands-on experimentation.

Rockets have formed the basis of space exploration. Extensive teachers' notes, guidance and lesson plans contained in this educator guide emphasize hands-on science, prediction, data collection and interpretation, teamwork, and problem solving. The guide also contains background information about the history of rockets and basic rocket science.

SAFETY NOTE: Recently, an air pressurized paper rocket launcher being used by an educator failed. This launcher is described in NASA’s Rockets Educator Guide, publications EG-2011-11-223-KSC, pp. 86-90 and EG-2008-05-060-KSC, pp. 86-90. NASA completed an engineering investigation into the failure and determined that the launcher, or design equivalents, should not be used. These pages have therefore been removed from the guide.

URL: http://stem.org.uk/rx362

HEALTH and SAFETY
Any use of a resource that includes a practical activity must include a risk assessment. Please note that collections may contain ARCHIVE resources, which were developed at a much earlier date. Since that time there have been significant changes in the rules and guidance affecting laboratory practical work. Further information is provided in our Health and Safety guidance.

Files

PDF document, Category Three Materials

Rocket science teacher guidance and activities

Review

Loads of rockets!

Posted by Tom Lyons - ESERO Teacher Fellow on 25th May 2012

Subject / curriculum links / skills: Physics
Level / prior knowledge: KS3-4

Subject / curriculum links / skills: Physics
Level / prior knowledge: KS3-4
Student activities: 16

Practical activities: 16

Commentary: This is the number 1 comprehensive rocket guide for teachers. If you want to do experiments with rockets then this guide contains 16 rocket activities - spanning all age ranges. There is also a well written history of rockets and a guide to the physics of rocketry, appropriate for secondary school students. The rocket activities range from easy-to-make, low power rockets to more complex high powered rockets. The IOP do a make-and-take using one of the more complex rocket designs.