The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Straw Rocket Launch

Straw Rocket Launch

A Seventh Grade STEM Lesson

Janae Jones

May 2023

Notes for Teachers

• Collect supply count according to student/project ratio needs.

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• You may be able to use alternate materials to create the launcher.

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• Create testable questions as a whole group after discussing student driven “I wonder” statements. Students may need direction at identifying what variables can be changed within the system in order to create a testable question to investigate. In addition to changing the structural design of the rocket components, students could test the launch angle. Measuring the initial launch angle gives them practice with precision in measurement.

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• The investigation journal can be used for any investigation. For the purpose of this lab, instruct students on what they need to show understanding of in the model, conclusion and CER or edit the journal so this information is clear. For assessment purposes students should include explanations that involve Newton’s laws, balanced/unbalanced forces, thrust, and any other principles you would like them to demonstrate understanding of.

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List of Materials

• Student Investigation Journal
• pdf student guide
• 1 protractor per group

Supplies to make 1 launcher:

• 1 dowel
• 1 hole plate
• 2 perpendicular blocks
• 2 ft vinyl tubing
• 1 14 ml syringe
• 1 Steel wire section

Supplies to make straw rocket:

• 1 straw
• recycled supplies to make nose cone and fins (plastic bottles, card stock, clay, etc.)
• tape/glue

Standards

Physical Science:

7.P3.U1.4 I can use non-algebraic mathematics and computational thinking to explain Newton’s laws of motion.

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Science and Engineering Practices:

● ask questions and define problems

● develop and use models

● plan and carry out investigations

● analyze and interpret data

● use mathematics and computational thinking

● construct explanations and design solutions

● engage in argument from evidence

● obtain, evaluate, and communicate information

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Mathematical Practices:

MP.5 Use appropriate tools strategically.

MP.6 Attend to precision.

Objective(s):

I can plan and carry out an investigation using straw rockets and a launcher in order to collect data to test a hypothesis.

I can construct an explanation for how Newton’s laws of motion are at play in straw rocketry.

Agenda (70 minutes)

70 minutes

• Anticipatory Set 10 minutes
• Launcher Construction and Investigation planning & completion

55 minutes

• Closure 5 minutes

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Intro

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Show video on straw rocket launch.

Driving questions:

What scientific principles does this phenomenon demonstrate?

What are some of the balanced/unbalanced forces that act on the system?

How does thrust impact the system?

How are Newton’s laws demonstrated?

Hands-on Activity Instructions

• Complete in pairs or groups of 4 depending on supply ratio.
• Step-by-step instructions:
• Build the launchers and the straw rockets.
• Plan an investigation with 1 independent variable (ie., angle of launch, fin design or count, nose cone design).
• Carry out the investigation.
• Analyze data and develop an explanation.

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Assessment

Evaluate student understanding of the system, forces involved, and how it demonstrates Newton’s laws of motion using the models on pages 1 and 7. Evaluate student thinking and identify misconceptions through their written conclusion and CER explanation on pages 10 and 11 in the student journal.

Differentiation

Students who have difficulty developing their conclusions with reasoning that includes science principles focused on Newton’s laws and balanced/unbalanced forces may need access to flashcards/notes to keep track of each of Newton’s laws.

Diagrams/models that demonstrate each law and forces outlined may support application for the lab.

kahoot review game

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Consult the TeacherGeek Go Guide for extension activities including “most accurate rocket wins”, and “moving target”. Students can create a game of their own to test their prototypes.

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Students can test fin types as the independent variable and evaluate the effect on the launch distance and accuracy.

Students can test other variables they didn’t test in the investigation.