Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Action-Reaction! Rocket

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students 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 distance...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Paper Rockets

For Teachers 4th - 10th
Students design, construct, and fly paper rockets that travel the greatest distance possible across a floor model of the solar system. They construct small flying rockets out of paper and propel them by blowing air through a straw.
Lesson Plan
NASA

Soda Straw Rockets

For Teachers K - 6th Standards
Three, two, one, blast off to a better understanding of force and motion with this exciting science lesson! Beginning with a discussion about rockets and gravity, young scientists go on to complete a series of worksheets about net...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Time Travel to the Edge of the Universe and Back!

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students analyze the size of the universe and calculate the time to travel to near and distant destinations.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Strawkets and Thrust

For Teachers K - 5th
Students investigate the effect of thrust on rocket flight. They construct two paper rockets, one with a smaller exit nozzle, and compare/contrast the distances traveled by the rockets.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Physics Lab Rockets

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students construct and test balloon rockets and a model rocket. In this rocket science lesson, students use an inquiry-based method to master balloon rockets and have a shoot-off with the goal of attaining the highest altitude. Next,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soda Straw Rocket Activity

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Young scholars construct a rocket using soda straw. In this physics activity, students determine the nose cone length that produces the best rocket. They explain the importance of using a control in an experiment.
Lesson Plan
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NASA

Newton Car

For Teachers 7th - 11th
If a car gets heavier, it goes farther? By running an activity several times, teams experience Newton's Second Law of Motion. The teams vary the amount of weight they catapult off a wooden block car and record the distance the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rocket to Success

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students investigate action and reaction. In this energy lesson, students use a  balloon and string to create a simple rocket. The will collect quantitative data record their observations, and relate their observations to Newton's...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rocket Science

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Learners conduct an experiment. In this physical science lesson, students learn about Isaac Newton's theory that for every action there is an equal but opposite reaction. Learners show this theory by looking at how a rocket is propelled...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Balloon Jets

For Teachers 1st - 6th
Students investigate how fuel amount affects the distance traveled by balloons. In this physics lesson, students collect data and create a pictograph. They interpret data and formulate a conclusion.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Newton Gets Me Moving

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students discuss Newton's laws of motion. The conduct motion experiments by building "Newton Rocket Cars" from assorted materials. They propel the cars with rubber bands and wooden blocks and record the distance traveled on data sheets.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Launching Rockets

For Teachers 2nd
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...
Lesson Plan
Friends of Fort McHenry

Cannons During the War of 1812

For Teachers 6th - 8th
During the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812, only 25% of the bombs and rockets fired at Fort McHenry actually reached their target. Using an interactive online simulation, combine your historical study with physics and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Propulsion Pop!

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students demonstrate an understanding of the text by completing a propulsion activity, charting the results, and answering questions that demonstrate an understanding of rocket propulsion.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Newton's Third Law of Motion

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students move through five stations demonstrating Newton's Third Law of Motion. In this Newtonian physics lesson, students watch as the instructor uses a firecracker to demonstrate action and reaction. The students travel to five...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Close Enough?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine how navigation is based on mathematics and how making a mistake in measuring an angle could have an impact on a target. They observe a teacher-led lecture, use a calculator to complete two worksheets, and participate in...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring the Night Sky: Summer

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explain how moon phases occur. They describe and explain at least two common misconceptions that people have about the moon. Students explain what a star is. They explain 3 ways that the night sky has been used throughout history.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring the Night Sky: Fall/Winter

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explain how moon phases occur. They explain three ways that the night sky has been used through history. Students locate some of the constellations in the night sky. They discuss stories and myths surrounding stars.