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Heavy Lifting Lesson PlanHeavy Lifting Lesson Plan
Publisher
NASA
Resource Details
Curator Rating
Educator Rating
Not yet Rated
Grade
K - 8th
Subjects
Science
4 more...
Resource Type
Lesson Plans
Audience
For Teacher Use
Duration
1 hr
Instructional Strategy
Hands-on Activity
Technology
Scientific Equipment
Year
2020
Usage Permissions
Fine Print: Educational Use
Lesson Plan

Heavy Lifting

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Heavy Lifting lesson plan also includes:
  • Rocket Educator Guide - Introductory Pages
  • Additional References
  • Rockets Educator Guide (.pdf)
  • Rockets Educator Guide (.html)
  • Activity
  • Worksheet
  • Join to access all included materials

Accept NASA's challenge to design heavy lifting vehicles. Groups of three design balloon-powered rockets to carry as much payload to the ceiling as possible. The teams are encouraged to launch several times while making improvements to increase the payload each time. At the conclusion, each group debriefs the class on their best design. 

31 Views 26 Downloads

Concepts

rockets, balloons, engineering design, technology resources

Instructional Ideas

  • Sticking with one rocket design, have teams determine the maximum amount it can lift
  • Instruct teams to evaluate the variables that will affect the ability of the rockets to lift the payload and how they plan to control those variables

Classroom Considerations

  • Each launch site requires ample space around it

Pros

  • The activity contains a data collection sheet to record information about the trials
  • Includes teacher tips to help with supply management

Cons

  • None

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