To demonstrate rocketry principles through a cooperative, problem solving project in which eighth graders will design, build, and launch a water rocket.
During spring, it is my goal that all eighth grade science students at Middle school participate in this inquiry based science project in which they will work in cooperative groups to create their own water rockets. This project will serve approximately 400 students. Students will be working in groups of 3 or 4 students to construct a rocket using a 2 or 1 liter plastic soda bottle. They can then choose from a number of materials such as balsa wood, foam board, card stock paper, duct tape, parachutes, and recovery system parts to construct the wings, fins, nose cone, recovery system, and other design elements. Using the scientific method, students will hypothesize the best plan for their rocket, manipulate and control variables, see their hypotheses verified or refuted, analyze their findings, and create a plan to improve upon their rocket design. Students will have approximately one week to design, build and launch their rockets. The great thing about water rockets is that this will be an investment that Middle School can use with our students for years to come since the only materials that need to be renewed each year are plastic soda bottles and water to launch the rockets. The launcher uses water and pressurized air to launch the rockets high into the sky.
Water rocketry is one of the most exciting hands-on science activities. Converting empty plastic soda bottles into high-flying rockets provides a great learning experience for students and is a way for students to discover important scientific principles such as Newton’s laws. Students will have the opportunity to use important science skills such as observation, predicting, communicating, team work, controlling variables, measuring, accuracy, making models, collecting and interpreting data through this inquiry based project. Working in cooperative groups, students will design, construct, launch, and evaluate their water rockets. Not only is this a fun, hands-on inquiry-based project but it will also challenge students to apply the science skills they have learned throughout the eighth grade.
The budgeted items will give students choices for construction of their bottle rockets. I have also included altimeters for measuring the altitude of launch to be used for data analysis.
239.83
Estes - 2232 AltiTrack Altitude Tracker x4
87.44
XUXU 3 Pack Duct Tape Heavy Duty Waterproof, Strong Adhesive Silver Duct Tape Bulk for Indoor Outdoor Repairs Tear by Hand, 60 Yards x 2 Inch Total | Strong Adhesive Tape Bulk for Indoor Outdoor Repai
10.99
ZUFECY 656 ft White Cotton String - 2mm Craft-Grade String for Plant Hangers, Holiday Crafts & Kite Flying
20 Pack White Foam Board 12" x 16.5", 3/16" Thickness Foam Core Baking Board for Projects, A3 Polystyrene Mat Board Poster Foam Board Sheets for Art Crafts, Presentation, Wedding, School Projects
19.99
Staples Copy Paper, 11x17 Inch, 20 lb., 92 Brightness, 500 Sheets/Ream | Ledger-size paper for office, school & home. Smooth finish for copiers and printers.
17.69
Pitsco Water Rocket parachutes
52.76
Ezzgol Permanent Markers Bulk, Pack of 72, 12 Assorted Colors, Fine Point | For Adult Coloring as Office, School Supplies
19.99
24 Galaxy Star Rainbow Lollipops Individually Wrapped, Space Party Favors |
