Beginner's
Guide to Rockets
Gas Pressure
Subject
Area(s): Physical Science
Grade
Level: 10-12
Time
Required: Basic lesson is 2 class periods; extension lesson
may vary
National
Standards:
Science
- Unifying
Concepts and Processes:
- Evidence,
models, and explanation.
- Form and
function.
- Science
as Inquiry: Understandings about scientific inquiry.
- Physical
Science:
- Motions
and forces.
- Structure
and properties of matter.
Technology
- Research
Tools - Use content-specific tools, software and simulations
(e.g., environmental probes, graphing calculators, exploratory environments,
Web tools) to support learning and research.
- Problem-Solving
and Decision-Making Tools - Routinely and efficiently use on-line
information resources to meet needs for collaboration, research,
publications, communications, and productivity.
Objectives:
- You will study
the effects of air pressure on a used pop can.
- After observing
the changes that occur in a used pop can during the activity, you
will, with the aid of the Beginner's
Guide to Rockets, offer an explanation of the changes and
apply what you have learned to the operation of a rocket engine.
- You will also
investigate a question you or your group have on air pressure and/or
rocket engines.
-
-
-
- The
Beginner's Guide to Rockets is a Web site of information prepared
at NASA Glenn Research Center to help you better understand rockets and
rocket engine propulsion. Click on the Beginner's
Guide Index to access the list of slides. Open the slide entitled
Gas
Pressure and read the description. Use this description as
background information to help you complete the activity.
Note:
The implosion of the empty pop can is presented as an aid in visualizing
the effects of air pressure and force.
Assessment:
You will
be assessed on the extent of detail provided by your observations and
by the use of scientific concepts in your explanations as recorded in
your journals.
Evaluation:
- You will be evaluated
on your ability to research your extension question and present to
the class information found in the Beginner's Guide to Rockets
and the World Wide Web. You are expected to be on task, and journals
will be randomly checked.
Submitted by:
Norma Holowach, Lakeview High School, Cortland, Ohio
Related Sites:
Activity
Worksheet
Answers
Rocket Index
Rocket Home
Exploration Systems Mission Directorate Home
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