Water Rocket Launch

Lesson Focus
Lesson focuses on aerospace engineering and how space flight has been achieved from an engineering vantage point. Student teams build and launch a rocket made out of a soda bottle and powered with an air pump and consider the forces on a rocket, Newton’s Laws, and other principles and challenges of actual space vehicle launch. Teams design their structure on paper, learn about aerospace engineering, launch their rocket, and share observations with their class.
Download:
Full Lesson Plan
Student Worksheets
Age Levels:
8 – 18
Objectives
- Learn about aerospace engineering.
- Learn about engineering design and redesign.
- Learn about space flight.
- Learn how engineering can help solve society’s challenges.
- Learn about teamwork and problem solving.
Anticipated Learner Outcomes
As a result of this activity, students should develop an understanding of:
- aerospace engineering
- engineering design
- space flight
- teamwork
Lesson Activities
Students explore how engineers have developed rockets over the years, and learn about the principals of rocketry. They work in teams to construct and launch a rocket made from a soda bottle that launches with an air pump under teacher supervision. The students compare their accomplishments and challenges with those of other student teams, complete a reflection sheet, and present to the class.
Resources/Materials
- Teacher Resource Documents
- Student Resource Sheet
- Student Worksheet
Alignment to Curriculum Frameworks
Curriculum alignment sheet is included in PDF.