Rocket Launcher Investigation

A true STEM challenge that will bring tons of math into your science time!

This Straw Rocket Launcher activity is brought to you by Kidder Canada, where you can buy the launcher and the rocket components in a neat little package for your classroom. The link for the launcher is https://kidder.ca/straw-rocket-launcher-cat-99-sr20426.html. The launcher is about $300 but the great things it that it can be reused year after year and it brings so much learning and STEM to your flight unit!

The class set package is about $40, and the link for that is: https://kidder.ca/education/flight/straw-rockets/straw-rocket-class-pack-cat-99-sr35784.html. There is also a teacher's guide which I highly recommend: https://kidder.ca/education/flight/straw-rockets/straw-rockets-teacher-s-guide-cat-99-sr959459.html. The teacher's guide is very helpful, has printable worksheets, and extension activities.

What math concepts do you examine with this challenge? Your students will work through using length measurements to cut the straws and to measure the distances travelled by the rocket, as well as estimating the height of the rocket trajectory. Your students will also use angles to set the rocket's trajectory and examine how changing the angles affects the distance traveled by the rocket. Your students will also use weigh scales to measure the mass of the nose of the rock and see how changing the mass of the nose affect the flight of the rocket. Students will also record measurements and calculate averages. So much math to be covered while covering many flight concepts, including forces of flight, and use technological building skills to design, test, and build a flying device (the straw rocket).