#3639. Rocket Angles

Science, level: Middle
Posted Mon May 15 15:02:56 PDT 2006 by Stephanie Collingwood (scollingwood@wsd.k12.ca.us).
Westminster, CA
Materials Required: Stomp rockets, Stompr rocket launcher, measuring tape, protractor
Activity Time: 45 minutes
Concepts Taught: Forces & Motion

Standard: Grade 8 Science: Students know that when the forces on an object are unbalanced, the object will change its velocity (that is, it will speed up, slow down, or change direction).
Content Objective: Students will be able to launch an air rocket in attempt to find the angle that gives the rocket the greatest distance.
Lesson:
Students will attach protractor to launcher using provided bolt.
Students will divide into jobs: recorder, launcher, measurer, set up.
In groups of 4, students will line up along the 1st baseline on the field.
Recorder and measurer will stand opposite the launcher out of the way of the falling rockets. Set up will set the angle at 80 degrees for the first launch.
The team will record three distances at that angle and lower it 10 degrees and repeat.
After trying 6 different angles, the team will determine the best angle to launch for the longest distance and attempt to prove it.

Assignments:
Students will create a data table showing their distances and angles.
Students will create a graph comparing distance versus angle.
Students will draw a conclusion about the best angle to launch at.
Next Steps:
Students will build their own air rocket to compete for long distance and target practice.