NASA Glenn Videoconference: Rocket Science
Pre-Conference Activity: Constructing Paper Rockets (If so instructed by your teacher, print out a worksheet page for this activity.)


This activity provides directions for constructing and launching a paper rocket. You will use a pencil to form a paper tube and then modify the tube by adding fins. A rocket with no fins is much more difficult to control than a rocket with fins. The placement and size of the fins is critical to achieve stability while not adding too much weight. Keep this in mind as you construct your rocket and modify its design.

Materials Needed:

Pencil
Drinking Straw
Construction Paper - for wrapping around pencil in strips and for fins
Tape
Scissors

Procedure:

  1. Construct the rocket according to the directions shown below.



  1. Predict how far your rocket will fly.
  2. Test fly your rocket and record the actual distance it flies.
  3. What is the difference between your prediction and the actual distance?
  4. Modify your rocket or start over by constructing a new one.
  5. Predict how far your new/modified rocket will fly.
  6. Test fly your new/modified rocket and record the actual distance it flies.
  7. What is the difference between your prediction and the actual distance?
  8. What is the difference in distances flown between your old rocket and the new/modified rocket?
  9. Compose one paragraph in a journal giving details on how you decided on your final rocket design. Justify your ideas. Describe your modifications and how they affected your rocket's performance.

Rubrics:

Use the rubrics shown below as a guide when completing the activity.

Rubric for constructing the paper rocket and recording observations
(15 points max.)

 
Yes
No
Carries out assignment criteria 3 points 0 points
Performs testing safely 1 point

0 points

Records observations and findings are correct 3 points 0 points
Demonstrates proper science process skills 3 points 0 points
Participates in class discussions 5 points 0 points

 

Rubric for journal writing (Worksheet Question 10)
(12 points max.)

 
Yes
No
Carries out assignment criteria 3 points 0 points
Records observations and findings are correct 3 points 0 points
Demonstrates proper science process skills 3 points 0 points
Spelling, grammar, and punctuation correct 3 points 0 points

You are now ready to participate in the Introduction to RocketModeler videoconference. After the videoconference, complete the post-conference activity and assessment.


Videoconference description and introduction.
Pre-conference assessment.
Pre-conference activity worksheet.
Post-conference activity and worksheet.
Post-conference assessment.

 

Please send any comments to:
Web site related: Curator
Content related: Tom Benson (benson@nasa.gov)