Rockets
10p Per Pupil + Presenter Costs.
This is an activity for Years 3 to 8 and takes approximately 1 - 1 1/2 hours.
Starting with a sheet of A4 paper, students have the opportunity to design a personalised rocket casing. They then build the rocket with the aid of a length of plastic tube and glue. After discussing safety issues, the rocket can be launched by blowing into the tube.
Building and testing a rocket takes approximately 1 hour.
The flight of the rocket is improved considerably by adding fins to the rocket tail. Students test their rockets accuracy by participating in a competition to hit a target.
The activity is enhanced further by taking the rockets outside and using stamp-bottle and power launchers. Well made rockets will travel 60 – 70 metres horizontally and 30 – 40 metres vertically. This takes a further 45 minutes
Rockets address QCA Units Sc1E, 2E, 4E, 6E:
Design and Technology
• Design and make images and artefacts
• Review what they and others have done
• Identify what they might change in future work
• Learn about colour and pattern, shape and space
• Work in a team
• Follow a plan
• Assemble and combine components
• Identify ways they could improve their product
• Carry out appropriate tests before making any improvements
• Recognise that the quality of a product depends on how well it is made and how well it meets its intended purpose
Science
• Pushes are an example of force
• Forces are needed to make things move
• Objects are pulled downwards because of gravitational attraction between them and the earth
• Air resistance is a frictional force that slows moving objects
• Air pressure can produce forces
For further information or to book a session for your school, please contact:
Marie Roberts - Tel: 0161 295 6374 Fax: 0161 278 2524
Email: mrobertssalford@aol.com