It’s not Rocket Science…

1. It’s not Rocket Science… Marcie Dail Fairchild Title|Introduction|Task|Process|Research|Drawing|Building|Write-up|Evaluation|Conclusion|Teacher Page

2. Introduction The Department of Defense can’t keep up with the war on terror using regular methods. They are looking for people like Jack Bauer that can excel under pressure using everyday objects in innovative ways. They are looking for people who fill this description. Is it you? Your first task is to make a rocket out of two liter bottle… Title Introduction Task Process Research Drawing Building Write-up Evaluation Conclusion Teacher Page

3. Task You must create your own water bottle rocket that will be launched in competition with your classmates. The base of the water rocket will be a two liter soda bottle. You will include blueprints, a force diagram, and a one page written explanation of the physics of your rocket. Title Introduction Task Process Research Drawing Building Write-up Evaluation Conclusion Teacher Page

4. Process Your project will occur in 4 phases: • Research • Drawing • Building • Write-up Title Introduction Task Process Research Drawing Building Write-up Evaluation Conclusion Teacher Page

5. Process: Research In order to build a successful rocket you must know what makes it fly. Use the following sites to research these questions (and whatever else you think will be helpful): • What makes the rocket (soda bottle) fly? • How can you maximize propulsion? • How does the body shape affect its flight? • What do fins do? NASA Beginner's Guide to Rockets Water Rocket Index Rocket Principles Practical Rocketry Title Introduction Task Process Research Drawing Building Write-up Evaluation Conclusion Teacher Page

6. Process: Drawing Now that you know what you’re looking for (hopefully), it’s time to come up with a plan. Make a scaled drawing of the rocket you will build labeling all materials. You may use graph paper by hand or use a program such a Visio. Remember: You must use a two-liter soda bottle as your base. How to Make a Scaled Drawing Title Introduction Task Process Research Drawing Building Write-up Evaluation Conclusion Teacher Page

7. Process: Building Assemble the rocket according to your blueprint. Remember…You MUST use a two-liter soda bottle as the base/to hold the water. Some encouragement that water rockets really do work: 2L Bottle Mythbusters’ ultimate water rocket Don’t even think about it Title Introduction Task Process Research Drawing Building Write-up Evaluation Conclusion Teacher Page

8. Process: Write-up You are to write-up your rocket design. The write-up should justify all parts of your rocket. This includes, but is not limited to, body modifications and how much water was used. These should be explained using the physics concepts that you learned during your research. You may use the form below to organize what needs to be in the write-up. Pre-write Chart Title Introduction Task Process Research Drawing Building Write-up Evaluation Conclusion Teacher Page

9. Evaluation Title Introduction Task Process Research Drawing Building Write-up Evaluation Conclusion Teacher Page

10. Conclusion Congratulations, Jack would be proud. Your application of your physics knowledge was superior. With a few more years of school you’ll be ready to save the world… Title Introduction Task Process Research Drawing Building Write-up Evaluation Conclusion Teacher Page

11. Teacher Page This project is constructed for a high school physics class. Standards Addressed (Physics and Geometry): PH.3 The student will investigate and understand how to demonstrate scientific reasoning and logic. PH.4 The student will investigate and understand how applications of physics affect the world. PH.5 The student will investigate and understand the interrelationships among mass, distance, force, and time through mathematical and experimental processes. G.12 The student will make a model of a three-dimensional figure from a two-dimensional drawing and make a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional object. Models and representations will include scale drawings, perspective drawings, blueprints, or computer simulations. Additional Resources: How Water Rockets Work Building the Launcher Title Introduction Task Process Research Drawing Building Write-up Evaluation Conclusion Teacher Page