Long-Term Learning Target: I can apply my understanding of energy, forces and motion to design and test a model rocket.
During this project students will use Newtons three laws to build and launch model rockets that are powered by water, in order to carry an egg up and back to the ground safely.
Moon Crater Energy Lab
Grade: Meets
For this lab we made moon craters with plastic eggs so that we could better understand the way that craters on the moon form. I got a Meets on this lab because I was very thorough with my answers but I got the Exceeds question wrong. My goal for the next lab is to really be extra thorough with my answers and to ask for help if I am confused, after I have tried my hardest. My glow is that I tried very hard and that I attempted the math question that I did not understand. My grow for this lab is to ask for help if I need it.
Newtons Laws Stations
Grade: Meets
In this activity we learned about all of Newtons laws and how they apply to the real world around us. I got a meets on this lab because I did all of the required work and explained all of my answers to the best of my ability. My goal for my next lab is to lab is to ask for help only after I have tried my best. One glow that I had was that I was able to do all of my work without any extra help. One grow that I have is that want to try to get an exceeds on the next lab.
Film Canister Rockets
Grade: Meets
For this lab we built rockets and then launched them using alka seltzer mixed with water that then reacted and created gas that sent the rocket into the air. I got a meets on this lab because I used the scientific method and refined my rocket only changing one this at a time so that it could be accurately measured. One glow that I had was that I was able to problem solve after my rocket malfunctioned. One grow I have is that next time I would like to make sure that my rocket is created using all of the steps listed and that I use a film canister that does not have any cracks in it.
Forces and free-body diagrams
Grade: Meets
In this activity we went to different stations around the room and analyzed free body diagrams and what was happening and where the energy is going. I got a Meets on this because all of my questions were correct and there was no exceeds for this assignment. If I were to do this again then I would take more time to explain each question and further my understanding of the topic. I am very proud that I have a complete understanding on this topic and I can thus have a better understanding of the topics we will learn in the future.
During the first test launch my group took a good look at all of the rockets and then watched all of the launches. We noticed that thrust force was greatly affected by the amount of water and the length, and strength of the fins; we are going to use foam board for our new fins. We also noticed that the drag force of a rocket is affected by what shape and sizer nose cone you use so we are going to use a reinforced paper nose cone that will be arrow dynamic and thin. We want to have a rocket that is as light as possible because then we will be able to get our rocket to the highest height.
For this launch we took into account flight time and weight. Our nose cone is made out of paper and has minimal padding so that it is light but also durable. I noticed that the thrust force was greatly affected during this launch because on the first launch our rocket did not leave the ground and during this launch our rocket went thirty two feet. I also noticed that the lift force was almost perfect because the rocket did not wiggle during the flight and almost came down perfectly. I think that for my next rocket I want to use a launch pad, small fins, a padded duct tape nose cone, and minimal duct tape on the body because I want the next rocket to be light and have padding for the egg.
For this launch I took into account flight time and weight. My nose cone is made out of paper and has a plastic cup inside of it so that the egg is in a different section so that the egg can be padded and the nose cone will still get smashed and protect the egg. I noticed that the thrust force was greatly affected during this launch because on the first launch our rocket did not leave the ground and during this launch our rocket went very high. I also noticed that the lift force was not good because one of my team members changed the nose cone that made the rockets center of lift change. I want to make another rocket just like this one but with the proper nose cone and a better padded egg capsule.
During this unit I learned about forces and and how they act upon objects on the ground and in flight. I learned about all of the different types of energy and how different reactions require different energy. Calculating forces and energy acting upon an object is no easy feet but with Mrs. Boone's excellent teaching I am now able to calculate both of these things. During exhibition my rocket went the highest so I would say that was the thing that went the best. I would have liked to have a more supportive nose cone and have more trial runs so that I could perfect my rocket. I will be able to use these skills for future science classes, if I decide to join rocket club I will already know how to make a basic rocket, and I now know that I might what to explore a carer in rocketry.
During this unit we studied rockets, how they fly, what balances them in the air, and how to build a rocket. I got a meets on my rocket manual because some I, we, and me statements were found within this manual. At my next exhibition I would like to edit everything more and make sure that I know what I need to fix in advance. I am very proud that my rocket went the highest even if my egg did brake.
