Does the position of the clips make a difference? The activity provides directions to build and test a paper rocket. Pupils attach paper clips to the rocket in different configurations and measure the distance the rocket flies each time. Groups average and compare results to see how successful they were.

Concepts

force, newton's laws of motion, newton's first law of motion, newton's second law of motion, newton's third law of motion, averages, design, engineering design, technology resources

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Instructional Ideas

• Encourage groups to redesign the fins and test them to look for improvements
• Use a squeeze bottle to supply the same amount of air pressure for each trial

Classroom Considerations

• Assumes the class knows how to calculate averages

Pros

• Includes guiding questions
• Contains a data collection sheet

Cons

• None