STEM Challenge - Project: Rocket Launch - Create Rocket That is Ready for Launch

Looking for a flexible, multi-day activity that gets your students “doing science?” Every STEM Challenge offers a hands-on, inquiry-based, student-led project designed to allow them to step into the roles of researchers and engineers.

STEM Challenge projects are ideal for use at any time throughout the school year, between units, before breaks, or during afternoons when testing weeks occur.

For teachers, there are presentations and step-by-step guides to facilitate pacing and lesson plans that align with standards. Students utilize the included notebooks to guide them through activities (both individually and in small groups), challenge them to learn new information, and reflect on and apply the information they have learned.

The Challenge:

You are an aspiring rocketeer and have always wanted to build your own rocket. It is your goal to one day create a rocket that can leave the Earth's atmosphere, but you're still in the beginning phases of learning about them. The goal of this challenge is simple. Create a rocket that flies straight and high. You will need to research the basic designs of bottle rockets before designing your own. How many fins should it have? What is the optimal amount of water to put in the rocket? How will you ensure that it flies straight? How will you keep your rocket stable throughout the flight? Your teacher will provide you with the exact specifications of your project based on the launch apparatus they are using. You will have to come in under budget when building your rocket. Each decision you make will impact your bottom line. Let's get going. 3..2...1..blast off!

What’s in a STEM Challenge?

• a video explaining the engineering challenge and setting the context for the project
• a BIG Question to guide the inquiry
• teacher presentation in PPT (Google-compatible) and Keynote
• a teacher's guide on what the teacher and students should be doing along the way
• student notebook offers
  • questions to provide the students with a framework for their inquiry throughout the entire project
  • opportunities to absorb new information and reflect on ways to use it to complete the challenge
• Using the LAUNCH process, students brainstorm with their peers and reflect on failures and opportunities, with the prospect of sharing their ideas with the world. This holds students accountable, and they will put forth the best effort, knowing that other students could critique the project.
• Each STEM Challenge contains a list of suggested supplies for its project. We were very cautious about choosing inexpensive items, and the supply list is dynamic, allowing for adjustments to individual situations. Suggested supplies include:
  • 1 and 2-liter bottles
  • glue (do not use hot glue)
  • tape
  • scissors
  • paper
  • cardboard
  • ruler
  • markers
  • string
  • lightweight fabric
  • tissue paper
  • rocket launcher (link provided, only one for all classes)
  • bicycle air pump

NGSS Standards

Aside from the engineering components of this project, students will be learning about force and motion and specifically Newton's Laws (3rd).

NGSS: MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3, MS-ETS1-4, MS-PS2-1