NASA
Space Shuttle Ascent: Mass vs. Time
Set the stage for groups of rocket scientists to explore the change in mass of the space shuttle during ascent. Teams work together to graph actual launch data in order to determine the rate of propellent burn.
Curated OER
Action-Reaction! Rocket
Young scholars construct a rocket from a balloon propelled along a guide string. They use this model to learn about Newton's three laws of motion, examining the effect of different forces on the motion of the rocket. They measure the...
Center for Math and Science Education
Solar System Launch
Trying to understand the vastness of outer space can be quite a challenge for young scientists. Help put things in perspective with this cross-curricular activity as students work in pairs creating scaled models of the solar system,...
Curated OER
The Ares-V Cargo Rocket
In this Ares-V cargo rocket instructional activity, students read about this multi-purpose launch vehicle and its rocket boosters. Students are given an equation that relates the acceleration of the rocket to the time and mass of the...
Curated OER
Solid Rocket Boosters-II
In this solid rocket boosters instructional activity, students solve 2 problems using a grid showing a cross section of a proposed solid rocket booster. Students complete the grid and shade the rings of combustion in 15-second step...
Curated OER
Destination: Station
Students examine the significance of the International Space Station. They view and discuss photos of rockets, space shuttles, and the International Space Station, develop a graph of objects in the sky, and create drawings.
Curated OER
Getting in Shape Again
Young scholars create rocket shapes out of pattern blocks. They draw a picture of a rocket, build a pattern block rocket following simple directions, and complete a graph of the shapes used.
Curated OER
Aircraft vs. Spacecraft
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.
Curated OER
Fuel Mystery Dis-Solved
Pupils describe how temperature and surface area exposure affect the rate at which fuel is consumed. They explain why engineers want to know about the properties of a fuel when designing rockets. They create a bar graph of result data.
Curated OER
Launching Rockets
Second graders discuss experiences of watching a rocket launch either on television or in person before making paper rockets. They make and color rockets which they attempt to launch using a strong breath blown through a straw at the...
Curated OER
Aerospace Engineering
Twelfth graders examine the physics of rocket flight. They build and launch model rockets to measure their performances.
Curated OER
Launch Time
Learners create and launch their own paper rockets. They complete graphs to show distances. They discuss what modifications could be made to make it go further.
Curated OER
Antacid Tablet Race
Students compare the reaction rates of effervescent antacid tablets under different conditions. They investigate methods of increasing the power of rocket fuels by manipulating surface area and temperature.