Rocketry Calculations: Houston, We Have a Problem!
Students explore the concepts behind rocketryCopyright 2013 Brian Rohde, University of Houston, National Science Foundation
GK-12 Program
Students apply their mathematics and team building skills to explore the concept of rocketry. They learn about design issues faced by aerospace engineers when trying to launch rocketships or satellites in order to land them safely—in the ocean, for example. Students learn the value of designing within constraints while brainstorming a rocketry system using provided materials and a specified project budget. Throughout the design process, teamwork is emphasized since the most successful launches occur when groups work effectively to generate creative ideas and solutions to the rocket challenge.
Engineers study lift, thrust, gravity and drag so that rockets and shuttles can launch into space and planes can fly. Engineers continually work on planes to improve their design and reliability and to generally make air travel safer. The space shuttle continues exploring space, and newly engineered rovers, deep space telescopes, and space probes unveil new discoveries as we enter the next century. Rockets make this vital space exploration possible. Also, rockets deliver satellites—for example those that enable cell phones to find signals and make/receive phone calls—and are expected to continue to be an integral part of our expanding communications systems. These are but a few glimpses into the importance of understanding the physics and engineering behind flight so that rockets can continue to expand our horizons.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Relate rocket motion to Newton's laws of motion.
- Draw free-body diagrams for s rocket through various stages of flight.
- Calculate the time to descend in free fall.
- Explain the parameters that go into rocket design.
- Work independently and function as a team.