Elementary students as scientists investigate successful and unsuccessful model rocket flight paths, forces and motion, and weather to answer the following driving question: How can forces exerted by weather conditions affect the flight path of our model rocket? Students use their existing ideas about forces and motion to develop models explaining a successful model rocket flight path phenomenon. In discussing their models, students begin to consider what factors could make a rocket flight path less successful. Students’ questions and ideas motivate them to learn more about how different types of weather can exert a force on a rocket during its flight path. Students obtain and evaluate information about the force exerted by the wind in order to develop a class consensus model explaining how forces exerted by weather conditions can affect the flight path of a model rocket.

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Student Materials

Per Student

• Notice and Wonder Chart
• Blank Model Template

Per Small Group (2 to 4 students)

• Slides for research

Teacher Materials

• Successful Model Rockets Videos
• Chart paper
• Markers