Straw Rocket STEM Challenge (Forces & Motion)

lesson overview

Rockets are always a student favorite! This STEM challenge pack includes a paper straw rocket activity, straw rocket engineering design challenge using a Pitsco launcher, student handouts, and extension problems on variable testing and test result comparison.

Topics covered in rocketry STEM challenge:

• Forces & motion

• Engineering Design Process

• Rocket history

• Comparing numbers

• Variables & testing

(1) Paper Rocket Activity: Students make a paper rocket with the template provided and then launch with a smaller straw.

(2) Straw Rocket Challenge: Students design and build a straw rocket to be launched with a Pitsco straw rocket launcher. Students test different variables to achieve the farthest flight distance.

(3)Variable Testing: Students test different variables to observe which configuration produces the longest flight distance. Students measure flight distance and use comparative language and >.<, = to compare test results.

This packet includes:

• Detailed educator guide with links to resources

• Student handouts including rocket history coloring page, forces on a rocket, & parts of a rocket

• Student recording packet for the design and testing phases of the engineering design process

• Math extension questions to compare test results.

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