How Can We Plan a Rocket Launch for Recovery System Deployment?

Middle School | Daily Do

How Can We Plan a Rocket Launch for Recovery System Deployment?

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Sensemaking is actively trying to figure out how the world works (science) or how to design solutions to problems (engineering). Students do science and engineering through the science and engineering practices. Engaging in these practices necessitates that students be part of a learning community to be able to share ideas, evaluate competing ideas, give and receive critique, and reach consensus. Whether this community of learners is made up of classmates or family members, students and adults build and refine science and engineering knowledge together.

Lesson Snapshot

Middle school students, as scientists, use science ideas about forces to answer the following driving question: How can we plan a rocket launch for successful recovery system deployment? In the previous lesson in the Model Rocketry Forces Playlist, students were introduced to a phenomenon by watching videos showing successful recovery system deployment and unsuccessful deployment. In this lesson, students use the models developed in Lesson 1 of the playlist to set up rockets for successful recovery system deployment.

Click the Download PDF button above for the complete Lesson Plan.

Materials

Student Materials

Per Student

Eye protection

Per Small Group (2 to 4 students)

Group Rocket Checklist and Launch Observations
Rocket and engine
Scissors
Pencil
Ruler
Fine sandpaper
Carpenter’s glue

Teacher Materials

Hobby knife
Rocket kit Instructions (for example, Estes Alpha III)
Estes Education: Understanding Rocketry Basics video
Estes Education: Launch Rocketry in Your Classroom video
National Association of Rocketry (NAR) Safety Code
Estes Education: How To: Fold a Parachute video
Phone or a video camera to record student launches

Note: Eye protection must be worn when groups launch model rockets and is recommended for spectators.

Exploration Generation Model Rocketry Forces Playlist

This lesson is the second of two lessons in the Model Rocketry Forces playlist. The playlist is an instructional sequence in which students use their understanding of forces to design a process for successful rocket recovery system deployment.