Your journey into rocketry has now
begun. During the journey you will answer the following questions:
- Do I have to use water? Why can't I just use pressurized
air?
- Is more water better?
- How can I modify the design of the rocket to increase
the duration of the flight?
- What effect will the wind have on the way I launch
the rocket?
- How will the wind affect the rocket after it is
launched?
- How can I modify the design of the rocket to increase
its chances of making a field goal or reaching a goal?
Experience the practice of true engineering
as you explore the concepts presented in the lessons, experiment
with a computer simulation of a water bottle rocket, conduct
the hands-on experiment, and compare the computer simulation
results with the actual results. You will learn about problem
solving--researching a problem, proposing an answer, testing
the answer, and analyzing the data produced by the test to
figure out if you have the answer or not. Math and science
studies are necessary to complete the process . . .they are
tools that an engineer uses to solve a problem. When you have
the tools, you can attack the problem--that's what engineers
do!
There are three sections to help you in your
journey:
-
Rocket Research 101
-
Rocket Research 102
- Rocket
Research 103
At the completion of the three sections, you
will understand thrust, acceleration (change in speed), and stability.
Before you begin Rocket Research 101, you
might like to try a hands-on experiment. Have you
ever wondered why releasing air from a balloon propels the
balloon forward? Balloons can be used to conduct
an experiment that demonstrates rocket propulsion. The air
in the balloon represents fuel for a rocket propulsion system,
and the relationship between volume of fuel and distance can
be examined. Directions
explain how to design and conduct the experiment. Afterwards,
discuss your understanding of the results with others. Review
your answers here.
Now that you have
completed the hands-on experiment,
let's continue the journey by testing what you know:
Pre-test
- Answer the questions to the best of your ability. At the
end of your journey you will given an opportunity to take
a post-test with similar questions so that you will know that
you have mastered the concepts presented.
Ok, now you can start your journey with Rocket
Research 101.
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