Rocket Science with Mr. Dunn(STEAM)

 This week was a very special and exciting week for me as well as intermediate students. This time we are going to make and fly rockets. Students were very excited to make their own rockets. They have a lot of questions about rocket science. This session was very extraordinary just because of Mr Dunn, who was the in-charge of rocket science. Mr Dunn is deputy principal of Tamaki college and a very good chemistry teacher. He loves science and technology. So, this time intermediates were working with Mr Dunn.

Rocket Science session divided into two parts. In the first session, students discussed rocket and forces acts on rockets. Students also discussed gravity and planets. They got all their answers while discussing rockets. This time we planned to make paper rockets as a demo. This was a very exciting activity. In this way, students came to know about drag force and the number of fins. And how they act on a flying rocket.

For this activity we need, Pencil Scissors Tape Soda straw (plastic or reusable) Meter stick or measuring tape Rocket template and data log.

1. Cut out and shape the rocket body. Cut out the rectangle. This will be the body tube of the rocket. Wrap the rectangle around a pencil length-wise and tape the rectangle so that it forms a tube.

 2. Cut out the two fin units. Align the bottom of the rectangle that extends between the fins with the end of the rocket body, and tape the fin to the body tube. Do the same thing for the other fin on the opposite side, making a “fin sandwich.” 

3. Bend the fins on each fin unit 90 degrees so that they are each at a right angle to each other. When you look along the back of the rocket, the fins should form a “+” mark.

 4. Twist the top of the body tube into a nose cone around the sharpened end of your pencil. Measure your nose cone from its base to its tip and record the length on the data log and on the rocket itself. 

5. Prepare to launch! Remove the pencil and replace it with a soda straw. Be sure your launch area is clear of people and hazards. Then, blow into the straw to launch your rocket! Record the distance the rocket travels on your data log.