The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Forces of Flight-Straw Rockets

Forces of Flight-

Straw Rockets

A 4th-6th Grade STEM Lesson

J. Warner

May 2024

Notes for Teachers

This lesson was done after an initial lesson on forces of flight with paper airplanes.

It took 2-3, 45-minute class sessions. It depends on how fast your students are in making their rockets.

I used a Pitsco straw launcher, however, there are various launchers available on Amazon, as well.

Students can also use a second straw to launch their rocket by blowing air through the straw, however, this doesn’t allow for accurate measurements/data.

List of Materials

• Large straws (not as big as smoothie straws, but larger than regular drinking straws.)
• Fin Template
• Index Cards
• Transparent tape
• Modeling clay
• masking tape (to write their name on and stick to the straw between sessions)
• scissors
• pencil
• Straw rocket Launcher (Pitsco)
• yard measuring tape
• spray paint (optional) Cones work
• storage area for rockets until second lesson
• crayons (optional, for coloring fins)

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Standards

Cross-Cutting Concepts:

1. Systems and System Models: Students will explore how different components of the rocket system interact to achieve flight.
2. Cause and Effect: Students will investigate how changes in design impact the rocket's flight performance.

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Arizona State Science Standards:

• SC.4.P.12U1.1: Observe and describe how forces (pushes or pulls) affect the motion of an object
• SC.5.P.12U1.1: Investigate and describe the relationship between force and motion
• SC.6.P.12U1.1: Explain how forces affect the motion of an object

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ELL Standards:

• ELL.4-6.SI.1: Use context clues and visuals to understand new vocabulary related to forces and motion
• ELL.4-6.SI.2: Demonstrate understanding of scientific concepts through hands-on activities and demonstrations

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Arizona State Math Standards

Measurement and Data: Students should be able to measure lengths using different units and convert between them. (ft, yards; meters)

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Objectives:

Learning Target: Students will understand the forces of flight related to rockets and how design impacts rocket trajectory.

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Success Criteria:

1. Students will be able to identify and explain the four forces of flight (thrust, lift, drag, weight) in relation to rocket launch.
2. Students will design and construct a straw rocket that demonstrates the principles of flight.
3. Students will launch their straw rockets, record measurements of the distance their rocket traveled, and analyze the flight path for improvements.

Agenda

Lesson 1

Forces of Flight Review

Rocket Parts

Forces of Flight on Rockets

Building Rockets

Lesson 2-3

Finish Rocket Building

Launch Rockets

Record measurements on distance

Opportunities to Iterate

Description

Fin Designs

Fin Number

And

Placement

Straw Rockets

Create a straw rocket with fins and a nose cone that launches the farthest.

Materials: Tools:

1. Select a fin and cut out Scissors
2. Trace fins on index card. Transparent tape
3. Tape fins to body. Pencil
4. Sculpt nose cone with clay. Crayons

Assessment

Students will record their rocket distances and you may wish to create a class graph for you to analyze. Students that have rockets that went the furthest can showcase their rocket and discuss what attributes may have made it go further.

Students will write out what iterations they made to their rocket between lauches and if the changes helped with distance.

Differentiation

Differentiation help:

1. Collaborative Groups: Assign students to small groups with mixed abilities. Encourage collaboration and peer learning, where students can support and learn from each other during the rocket design and launch process.
2. Modified Materials: Offer modified materials or tools for students who may have physical limitations. For example, provide larger straws or alternative launching mechanisms to accommodate students with fine motor challenges.
3. Scaffolding Questions: Ask guiding questions or provide sentence starters to help students articulate their understanding of the forces of flight and their impact on rocket performance. This can support students who may struggle with expressing their thoughts verbally or in writing.

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Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Extension activities:

1. Research Project: Have students conduct research on the history of rocketry and present their findings to the class. They can explore famous rocket scientists, significant rocket launches, or advancements in rocket technology.
2. Rocket Design Challenge: Challenge students to design and build a rocket using only specific materials, such as recycled materials or limited supplies. Encourage them to think creatively and problem-solve to achieve the best rocket design.
3. Rocket Simulation: Use online rocket simulation software or apps to allow students to virtually design and launch rockets. They can explore different variables, such as thrust or fin shape, and observe the impact on rocket performance.

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