We blasted off the year with a segment on rockets for the 5th grade STEM class! A rocket in its simplest form is a chamber enclosing a gas under pressure. A small opening at one end of the chamber allows the gas to escape, and in doing so provides a thrust that propels the rocket in the opposite direction. We learned about the importance of Newton's 3 laws of motion in building a successful rocket and discussed the principles of gravity and thrust. Then we examined some important tricks in making a successful rocket: the shape of the fins, the length of the chamber, the tip of the nose, 3 fins or 4 fins, how to minimize drag, and explored the design of the launcher and launch tube. We also explored the different ways in which we can make a rocket whether it's through physics or via chemical reaction.
For our first rocket experiment, we built a simple but effective rocket out of a paper tube, foam fins, and an earplug for the tip of the nose. Our homemade launcher was fashioned from an old kite pump with a launch tube made out of straw and a stand made from a configuration of small PVC pipes. Take a look below!
For our first rocket experiment, we built a simple but effective rocket out of a paper tube, foam fins, and an earplug for the tip of the nose. Our homemade launcher was fashioned from an old kite pump with a launch tube made out of straw and a stand made from a configuration of small PVC pipes. Take a look below!