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Students learn about the forces that create motion by launching rockets made from soda bottles!
Looking for a budget-friendly activity to demonstrate the laws of force and motion? Water rockets could be the answer. Classroom tested for high-flying interest, this inexpensive activity makes learning physics memorable and it is suitable for both middle and high school students.
Click here to see our entire line of water rockets.
Younger students see Newton’s laws of motion in action, observe how the pressure of contained water propels an object, and learn how changes in rocket design, fuel volume, and fuel pressure affect the altitude of a rocket.
For the higher grades, the activity can be broadened to include use of the scientific method. Students formulate and test a hypothesis, graph the results, and analyze the data. Basic trigonometry can be used to calculate the apogee of a rocket.
Water Rocket Launcher
Water Rocket Kits
Water Rocket Multi-Student Packs
Water Rocket Teacher's Guide
Key Concepts
- Newton’s laws of motion
- Force and motion
- Aerodynamics
- Weight
- Thrust
- Lift
- Drag
- Gravity
- Center of gravity
- Center of pressure
- Velocity
- Trajectory
- Altitude
- Variables
- Prediction
- Measurement
- Design and problem solving
Benefits
- Budget-friendly rocket activity
- Uses readily available, inexpensive materials
- Practical
- Well tested
- Safe
Content Areas
Primary: Science
Secondary: Engineering Design, Math
Disciplines
- Engineering
- Scientific inquiry
- Math
- Design
Age Level
Middle School-High School