Propulsion System Teacher Resources

Applied physics excites learners because it is about race cars, airplanes, and even roller coasters. Roller coasters are the focus of a video that focuses on the physics of roller coasters starting and stopping. It highlights the...

Learners investigate differences between aircraft and spacecraft, and the differences in propulsion systems. They build pinwheel airplanes and balloon rockets. An interactive activity quizzes students on thrust.

Students investigate the results of different propulsion methods. In this propulsion lesson, students measure the distance a test toy car goes using different types of propulsion. They record the distances in data tables before...

Newton's Laws get the rocket to work, but do they serve any other functions? A six-page resource classifies rockets by the type of propellant they use. It then describes applications of Newton's Laws of Motion, both in the...

Young scholars investigate space travel. In this space travel lesson students examine space exploration history, engineers and scientists involved in space exploration, and Newton's third law of motion. Young scholars make rockets.

Cruise ships offer many engaging opportunities for real-world math adventures. These large, floating cities use resources with numbers into the thousands place. Young mathematicians are asked to calculate numerical information...

Why is the size of jet engines increasing? An entertaining video lesson describes the efficiency of jet engines. The narrator describes the poor design of an engine that is too small or too big and explains why it is more efficient to...

Students study the nomenclature, operation and purpose of America's Space Transportation system. They demonstrate how water can be broken down into its component gases of hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis. They construct and use the...

Students discover the technology of jet engines through an interactive program. They explore the history of the gas-turbine theory and follow tutorials in how to use them. They finally read about the new Air-Breathing engines.

Sixth graders build a speaker as they investigate the roles of electricity and magnetism. They discover the properties of magnets, create an electromagnet, and determine the direction of a magnetic field. They show cause and effect...

High schoolers build pinwheel airplanes and balloon rockets to determine which ones fly faster and which fly farther.

Students imitate squid propulsion using a balloon and experience Newton's third law: for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Various anatomical designs are tested and analyzed. They calculate the speed of each squid...

Students use the World Wide Web to access additional information needed to complete the activities on the forces on an airplane, the function of the stabilizer, and the calculation of Mach speed, temperature, pressure, and thrust.

Students research propulsion, graph data, and interpret the results.

Pupils work in groups and note similarities and differences between their boats: size, shape, color, and unique features. They discuss 3 typical means of propulsion: propellers, sails, and paddles then share their charts with the class.

Students, after reading an explanation from a NASA Web site, demonstrate an understanding of the text by writing an essay that applies the information found in the slides to a real-life question.

Students experiment on magnets and electricity. In this physics lesson plan, students determine what factors affect the strength of a magnetic field. They design an experiment to determine how electromagnetic field strength varies with...

Hands-on challenge to add a jet-propulsion system such as a balloon to a Sky Glider blimp so it flies straight and far under its own power. Provides full list of materials with ideas on how to build, test, and redesign it if necessary....

This site contains a brief procedure for building (and launching) a balloon powered rocket. Introduces concepts of air pressure and propulsion.