Water Rockets - A Virtual
Aeronautics Exploration!
Welcome!
Water rockets are an excellent tool to learn about aerodynamics,
propulsion, and rockets.
The Virtual Aeronautics Exploration introduces the
principles of aeronautics behind water rockets and rocketry. The
activities were developed for middle school students (grades 5-8)
and align with National science, mathematics, and technology standards
for education. The materials are also appropriate for grades 9-12
and lifelong learners.
The navigation panel is found on the left and will
be in the same location on all pages.
About Rockets includes the history
of rocketry and information on the parts of a bottle rocket, as
well as a comparison of a water rocket and a NASA rocket.
Install the Simulator provides directions for
installing the Java runtime engine and Java 3D.
Start Your Journey includes
a hands-on experiment, a pre-test, and links to activities that
will help you understand Laws of Motion, thrust, acceleration,
stability, center of gravity, and drag.
Educator Section includes additional
materials for educators to use to reinforce and extend the concepts
presented in Rocket Research 101, 102, and 103.
Aeronautics Guides includes
Beginner's Guides to Aerodynamics, Propulsion, Kites, and Model
Rockets, including simulations.
Rocket Safety includes safety
guidelines you should follow before, during, and after the launch
of a water rocket.
The Simulator is a new water
rocket simulation created using Java 3D and Java technologies.
Use the simulator to design and launch water rockets before you
build and launch the real thing!
When you have reviewed the background material in
About Rockets, Start Your Journey!
CAUTION!
Please review Rocket Safety
before launching a water rocket.
Any comments, concerns, or questions should be addressed
to: