The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Quadratics Fun w/ Rockets

Quadratics Fun w/ Stomp Rockets

An Algebra 1 STEM Lesson

(High School)

Laurie Altringer

February 2023

Notes for Teachers

This lesson takes several days, but is really fun and gives context to quadratic word problems.

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Making the rocket launchers and paper rockets takes about 45 minutes, though the launchers only need to be made by one class then reused by other classes.

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Groups should have at least 4 students: one will step on launcher, one will stomp on the 2-L bottle, one will time, and one will determine and write down the distance the rocket traveled.

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Save up 2-L bottles, you go through A LOT. Suggest that students stomp on the middle of the bottle, not the bottom as that causes them to crack.

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Prior to this lesson, students should have a solid understanding of quadratic equations, including:

• axis of symmetry
• vertex
• zeros
• quadratic formula

List of Materials

• Educational Innovations Articulating Stomp Rocket System
• Empty & Clean 2-Liter bottles
• 125 ft. tape measures
• Handouts
• Pencils
• Calculators
• Sidewalk chalk
• Stopwatches
• Clipboards
• Protractors

Science & Engineering Practices

• Asking questions and defining

problems (for engineering)

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• Developing and using models

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• Planning and carrying out investigations

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• Analyzing and interpreting data

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• Using mathematics and computational thinking

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• Constructing an explanation

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• Communicating information

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Math Standards- Alg 1

A1.F-BF.A Build a function that models a relationship between two quantities.

A1.F-IF.B Interpret functions that arise in applications in terms of the context.

A1.F-IF.C Analyze functions using different representations.

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Mathematical Practices

MP Model with mathematics

MP Use appropriate tools strategically

MP Attend to precision

Objective:

Students will demonstrate proficiency of quadratic functions by using a stomp rocket to test the effect of launch angle on distance traveled, then create the quadratic equation for each launch angle.

Agenda (3-4 hours total)

• Introduction
• Launcher build (only 1 class)
• Paper rocket build
• Launching rockets - 3 trials for ea. angle
• Data collection, finding averages, & class average
• Quadratic equations for each angle

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Introduction

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1. Ask students where quadratics are used in real life (jumping off a diving board, rockets, comets, sports balls, etc…).
2. Go over the physics equation for projectile motion in feet:

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Tell students that they will be conducting an experiment to answer the question:

Does the launch angle of a stomp rocket affect the distance traveled?

Activity Instructions

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1. Have students build the rocket launchers and have each group create one paper rocket (directions supplied with Educational Innovations Articulating Stomp Rocket System, the YouTube video is helpful.)
2. Give directions for testing:

Does the launch angle of a stomp rocket affect the distance traveled?

Pass out the data sheet.

3. Outside, have the students help mark 5 foot increments from launcher up to 150 feet. These can be marked with sidewalk chalk if working on concrete or flags if working in a grassy field.

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Activity Instructions, Continued

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4. Each group should complete three trials of each angle and write down data. Four jobs within the group:

• One steps on the launcher to keep it stable
• One stomps on the middle of the 2-L bottle
• One times the launch either with a stopwatch or a phone
• One determines the distance and writes it down on the data sheet

5. When students are done testing outside, they will analyze their data by computing the average distance and time for each angle.

6. Calculate class average for each launch angle.

7. Have students individually make quadratic equations for each angle. They should also determine the axis of symmetry, vertex, and zeros.

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Assessment

Students will need to turn in their data sheets, quadratic equations, and extensions for points. They will be graded for the number of correct answers out of the total.

You can also have them complete a self-reflection:

• Summarize your experience with the paper rocket launch activity.
• What were the most significant insights or lessons learned?
• How might you apply what you learned to future engineering challenges or activities?

Differentiation

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

• Graph each quadratic function either on graph paper or using a graphing calculator.

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• Teacher will work one-on-one or in a small group with struggling students.

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• Provide formula structures for students to follow with step-by-step directions on how to calculate.

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• Provide video resources of rocket launches for students to reference.

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