Rocket Power
By making and testing simple balloon rockets, students acquire a basic understanding of Newton's third law of motion as it applies to rockets. Using balloons, string, straws and tape, they see how rockets are propelled by expelling gases, and test their rockets in horizontal and incline conditions. They also learn about the many types of engineers who design rockets and spacecraft.
Students make their own balloon rockets
Engineers make it possible for humans to leave our planet and explore space. Every discipline of engineering works together to further space exploration. Mechanical engineers design spacecraft components; aerospace engineers design the craft; electrical and computer engineers design the computer and electrical systems; materials engineers design heat shielding materials and spacesuits; chemical engineers design the rocket fuel; etc. Engineers use their combined knowledge of physics, materials, electronics, mathematics, structures and biology to get humans into outer space.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain Newton's third law of motion using words or pictures.
- Explain why a rocket must work harder to move up as opposed to across.
- List at least two different types of engineers and how they make rockets possible.