Overview

Through research, thinking, problem-solving and collaborative skills, students will name, describe and utilize the four main steps associated with the Scientific Method and summarize reasons for the usefulness of the Scientific Method. A discussion about the history of rockets, Newton's Laws of Motion as they relate to rockets, and the forces experienced by rockets will take place. Students will participate in a hands-on activity with tangent ratios and determine the height of a bottle rocket using a formula. Students will also formulate conclusions based on calculations and observations, and analyze the hypotheses made in lesson one "Scientific Method." Finally, students will choose an extended activity, use technology, construct, research, or compare topics related to rocketry to present to the class.

Chalkboard, whiteboard or other display device, computer connected to classroom projector, A Brief History of Rockets hand-out, Newton's Laws of Motion hand-out, handout on bottle construction, 2 liter soda bottles, construction paper, latex interior house paint, heavy paper or cardboard, white glue or constructive adhesive, duct tape, modeling clay, garbage bags and string, clinometers, trundle wheel or knotted string in meter intervals, lab sheet, data sheet, visual aid, completed bottle rockets, and pressure launcher, drawing conclusions handout, evaluation handout, and extended activity.

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