VIRTUAL AERONAUTICS EXPLORATION - Project Screen Shots

Targeted Age Group:
Middle Grades – High School

Suggested Immersive Application:
In this application, we would like to incorporate some of the most taught equations, for example F=ma, into a visual. As the object translates, the equation could be calculated right on the screen to give the learner a visual of the mathematics associated with movement.

The application will perhaps be based on an existing Bottle Rocket Simulation for the mathematics and scientific principles embedded in the simulation and expanding to a more immersive application. Ideally, within a menu of choices, the application would evaluate the students’ designs and provide graphical feedback highlighting positive and negative design characteristics, such as, (1) denote the calculated center of gravity and center of pressure and proposed improvements or (2) the application could analyze fins and propose improvements, etc.

The application would contain: (See image on right for screen shot of application screen)

History:
Timeline of Rocketry – From the first known rocket to present day rocketry this timeline can provide names and brief descriptions of this exciting field.

Aerodynamics:
Forces on a Rocket – The mathematical formulas of the forces on a rocket in flight.

Activity:
Lesson
Design a Bottle rocket via computer to solve a particular problem
Testing your Bottle rocket on Computer
Logging results
Making actual bottle rocket
Perform same tests
Compare results

Questions that could be investigated with the Bottle Rocket Simulation:
1. How can I modify the design of the rocket to increase the duration of its flight?
2. How can I modify the design of the rocket to increase the distance it travels?
3. How can I modify the design of the rocket to increase its chances of hitting a target or making a field goal?
4. How can I modify the design of the rocket to have it land an egg safely?
5. Do I have to use water? Is more water better?
6. What effect will the wind have on the way I launch the rocket?

Introduction to Inquiry-Based Learning:

    Introduction to Inquiry-Based Learning - by Joe Kolecki. (PDF Document)

Links to Bottle Rocket Launching Activities:

    Bottle Launcher - Instructions and parts list to build a bottle launcher.
    Bottle Rocket Index - Information and calculation software.
Bottle Rockets and Propulsion