Speedy Delivery...to the ISS! Project NAG-1314
*adapted from NASA Project X-35
The following directions will guide you through the application of Newton's Laws of Motion, forces, motion, gravity, and air resistance to creating a rocket to deliver a payload to the International Space Station. Your teacher will provide you with various tables or charts in which to record your findings. Please work together in your group to gather as much information as possible and use it to reach an appropriate, supported conclusion.
- Learning from Part 1 will be recorded in a modified one pager and an "OWL" chart.
- Learning from the classroom activities in Part 2 will be recorded in a summary table called "Table 2."
- Learning from the guided independent research in Part 2 will be recorded in a summary table called "Table 3."
Part 1: The Issue (Engage)
In the first part of this activity, you will be gathering information from an article that relates the learning from science class to rocketry.
Question: How should a rocket be designed or engineered in order to most efficiently deliver a payload (supplies) to the International Space Station (ISS)?
Initiation: SpaceX and the Dragon
Preview the SpaceX company and their development of the Falcon 9 rocket and the Dragon space capsule
Visit: SpaceX - Falcon 9 (click here)
Watch the promotional video.
Look at the specifications and overview of the Falcon 9 rocket.As you watch the video and look at the specifications, note any key features and relationships to science.
Visit: SpaceX - Dragon (click here)
Watch the promotional video.
Look at the specifications and overview of the Dragon space capsule.
As you watch the video and look at the specifications, note any key features and relationships to science.
View the launch, docking, and re-entry of the Dragon space capsule:
Watch: Falcon 9 and Dragon Video from SpaceX (click here for youtube video)
Questions: Answer the following questions in your notebook:
What were the key features of the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule that you observed? How do you think these features relate to the science of force, motion, gravity, and Newton's Laws?
Science Applications
Read the article "Rocket Principles". Preview the article and number the paragraphs. Mark the text/write in the margins as you read the article.
Read the article “Practical Rocketry”. Preview the article and number the paragraphs. Mark the text/write in the margins as you read the article.
Once you have finished reading and marking the text for both articles, please complete the modified one pager given to you by your teacher. Focus your learning on how the physics applies to rockets and combining the information from both articles into a single one pager.
In the first part of this activity, you will be gathering information from an article that relates the learning from science class to rocketry.
Question: How should a rocket be designed or engineered in order to most efficiently deliver a payload (supplies) to the International Space Station (ISS)?
Initiation: SpaceX and the Dragon
Preview the SpaceX company and their development of the Falcon 9 rocket and the Dragon space capsule
Visit: SpaceX - Falcon 9 (click here)
Watch the promotional video.
Look at the specifications and overview of the Falcon 9 rocket.As you watch the video and look at the specifications, note any key features and relationships to science.
Visit: SpaceX - Dragon (click here)
Watch the promotional video.
Look at the specifications and overview of the Dragon space capsule.
As you watch the video and look at the specifications, note any key features and relationships to science.
View the launch, docking, and re-entry of the Dragon space capsule:
Watch: Falcon 9 and Dragon Video from SpaceX (click here for youtube video)
Questions: Answer the following questions in your notebook:
What were the key features of the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule that you observed? How do you think these features relate to the science of force, motion, gravity, and Newton's Laws?
Science Applications
Read the article "Rocket Principles". Preview the article and number the paragraphs. Mark the text/write in the margins as you read the article.
Read the article “Practical Rocketry”. Preview the article and number the paragraphs. Mark the text/write in the margins as you read the article.
Once you have finished reading and marking the text for both articles, please complete the modified one pager given to you by your teacher. Focus your learning on how the physics applies to rockets and combining the information from both articles into a single one pager.
rocket_principles_for_pbl.pdf | |
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practical_rocketry_for_pbl.pdf | |
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one_pager_for_rocket_articles.pdf | |
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Historical Perspectives
Read the article "Brief History of Rocketry". Preview the article and number the paragraphs. Mark the text/write in the margins as you read the article. After you read the article, record your observations about rockets and the related science throughout history and what you want to know in an "OWL" chart.
Launch Vehicle "Family Album"
Look at the pictures and information provided about the different space vehicles used throughout history. Note the specific features and how they are related to the science that you have been learning in class. In your "OWL" chart, record the features that you observe on the different type of vehicles and what you want to learn about these features.
Read the article "Brief History of Rocketry". Preview the article and number the paragraphs. Mark the text/write in the margins as you read the article. After you read the article, record your observations about rockets and the related science throughout history and what you want to know in an "OWL" chart.
Launch Vehicle "Family Album"
Look at the pictures and information provided about the different space vehicles used throughout history. Note the specific features and how they are related to the science that you have been learning in class. In your "OWL" chart, record the features that you observe on the different type of vehicles and what you want to learn about these features.
brief_history_of_rockets_for_rocket_pbl.pdf | |
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launch_vehicle_family_album_for_rocket_pbl.pdf | |
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rocket_owl_chart_for_rocket_pbl.pdf | |
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Part 1 Assessment: The Muddiest Point
Review all that you have learned from reading the articles and looking at the "Family Album" of space vehicles. Using your one pager and your "OWL" chart, review and record what have you learned. Complete these sections independently.
After completing the "W" and "L" sections of your "OWL" chart, discuss your "wonder abouts" and "learning" with your group members.
After your discussion, complete the "muddiest point" section of the "OWL" chart page independently. Complete this section by reviewing the information, reflecting on your observations and learning, and then writing what is the most confusing part of your learning so far. Answer these questions: Why do you think this is confusing? Where would you find more information to help clarify your confusion?
Review all that you have learned from reading the articles and looking at the "Family Album" of space vehicles. Using your one pager and your "OWL" chart, review and record what have you learned. Complete these sections independently.
After completing the "W" and "L" sections of your "OWL" chart, discuss your "wonder abouts" and "learning" with your group members.
After your discussion, complete the "muddiest point" section of the "OWL" chart page independently. Complete this section by reviewing the information, reflecting on your observations and learning, and then writing what is the most confusing part of your learning so far. Answer these questions: Why do you think this is confusing? Where would you find more information to help clarify your confusion?
Part 2: Investigating the Issue
To gain a better understanding of rockets, rocket propulsion, and rocket design, we are going to follow several steps to complete investigations about different rocket-related issues.
Research Question:
What key features of a rocket are necessary to create an efficient delivery system to resupply the ISS?
To gain a better understanding of rockets, rocket propulsion, and rocket design, we are going to follow several steps to complete investigations about different rocket-related issues.
Research Question:
What key features of a rocket are necessary to create an efficient delivery system to resupply the ISS?
Classroom Experiments/Activities (Explore):
Activity 1: Hero Engine
Follow the directions on the hand out to learn about a "Pop Can Hero Engine". Relate what you have observed to Newton's Laws of Motion.
Activity 1: Hero Engine
Follow the directions on the hand out to learn about a "Pop Can Hero Engine". Relate what you have observed to Newton's Laws of Motion.
pop_can_hero_engine_activity_for_rocket_pbl.pdf | |
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Activity 2: Paper Rockets
Follow the directions on the hand out to learn about a "Paper Rocket". Relate what you have observed to rocket designs and features and Newton's Laws of Motion.
Follow the directions on the hand out to learn about a "Paper Rocket". Relate what you have observed to rocket designs and features and Newton's Laws of Motion.
paper_rocket_activity_for_rocket_pbl.pdf | |
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Activity 3: 3-2-1 Pop!
Follow the directions to launch the "3-2-1 Pop Rocket". After observing the rocket, complete the second part of the experiment testing either the temperature of the water or the surface area of the tablets.
Follow the directions to launch the "3-2-1 Pop Rocket". After observing the rocket, complete the second part of the experiment testing either the temperature of the water or the surface area of the tablets.
3_2_1_pop_activity_for_rocket_pbl.pdf | |
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Activity 4: Balloon Staging
Complete the "Balloon Staging" experiment. Use what you have learned to sketch a design of a two stage rocket. In your description, be sure to include the relationships to the science that we have been studying.
Complete the "Balloon Staging" experiment. Use what you have learned to sketch a design of a two stage rocket. In your description, be sure to include the relationships to the science that we have been studying.
Activity 5: Balloon Cargo Lift
Complete the "Rocket Transportation" experiment. Record the weight lifted and any other relevant observations. Explain how you would make improvements in order to lift more weight.
Complete the "Rocket Transportation" experiment. Record the weight lifted and any other relevant observations. Explain how you would make improvements in order to lift more weight.
balloon_staging_and_balloon_cargo_lift_activity_for_rocket_pbl.pdf | |
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Activity 6: Rocket Racer
Complete the "Rocket Racer" experiment. Record the sketch of your vehicle and answer the questions given on the "Rocket Racer Test Report" page.
Complete the "Rocket Racer" experiment. Record the sketch of your vehicle and answer the questions given on the "Rocket Racer Test Report" page.
rocket_racer_activity_for_rocket_pbl.pdf | |
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Activity 7: Newton Car
Follow the directions for the "Newton Car" experiment as modified by your teacher (we will not be using matches to burn the string, follow the revised directions given in class). Record the observations and explain how the experiment demonstrates Newton's Laws.
Follow the directions for the "Newton Car" experiment as modified by your teacher (we will not be using matches to burn the string, follow the revised directions given in class). Record the observations and explain how the experiment demonstrates Newton's Laws.
newton_car_activity_for_rocket_pbl.pdf | |
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Activity 8: Summarizing Your Information
Gather all of your information from the seven activities that you completed in class. Summarize what you have learned from these activities in "Table 2". Can you categorize what you learned in order to present it in a more meaningful way? Are there any connections that you made or could make between the experiments completed?
Gather all of your information from the seven activities that you completed in class. Summarize what you have learned from these activities in "Table 2". Can you categorize what you learned in order to present it in a more meaningful way? Are there any connections that you made or could make between the experiments completed?
table_2_for_rocket_pbl.pdf | |
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Guided Independent Research:
Step 9: Guided Independent Research (Explore)
Follow the steps below to investigate rocketry and add to your knowledge about rocket design and launch. Fill in your learning in "Table 3" either as a hard copy or as a Google doc.
TED Talk: The Orion Project from the 1950s and 1960s
Watch the video and take notes about the designs of the rocket and the fuel of the rocket. Summarize the following as part of "Table 3": Compare the U. S. Air Force design to the NASA version of the design. How are they similar? How are they different? What features can you incorporate into your design?
Follow the steps below to investigate rocketry and add to your knowledge about rocket design and launch. Fill in your learning in "Table 3" either as a hard copy or as a Google doc.
TED Talk: The Orion Project from the 1950s and 1960s
Watch the video and take notes about the designs of the rocket and the fuel of the rocket. Summarize the following as part of "Table 3": Compare the U. S. Air Force design to the NASA version of the design. How are they similar? How are they different? What features can you incorporate into your design?
Rocketry Articles and Links
Rocketry may start as a fascination with model rockets and the desire to go to space, but it is also a business venture and career for many. NASA has historically been the leader in research and space travel. However, new policies have allowed private individuals and companies to become part of the space travel industry. Follow the directions for each link to gain a better understanding of rocket science and rocket business.
Rocketry may start as a fascination with model rockets and the desire to go to space, but it is also a business venture and career for many. NASA has historically been the leader in research and space travel. However, new policies have allowed private individuals and companies to become part of the space travel industry. Follow the directions for each link to gain a better understanding of rocket science and rocket business.
Private companies have become partners with NASA to send supplies and astronauts to space. Visit the websites for the two companies listed below. Take note of their rocket designs and how they promote their companies. Complete the "Private Companies" section of Table 3. You may want to compare the SpaceX Heavy Falcon design with the Orion design from the Ted Talk.
Braeunig Company
SpaceX
Many different people and agencies have worked to develop rockets at various scales. Below are four articles that range from rockets launched with laptops, new technology for 3-D printing of rockets, the most powerful rocket, and another overview that relates rockets to Newton's Laws. As a group, read the articles and gather information that will help you in the design of your rocket. Complete the "Additional Learning" section of Table 3.
Space Rocket Launch with Laptops
3-D Printed Rocket
How the "Most Powerful" Rocket Works
Newton's Laws and Rockets Overview
Braeunig Company
SpaceX
Many different people and agencies have worked to develop rockets at various scales. Below are four articles that range from rockets launched with laptops, new technology for 3-D printing of rockets, the most powerful rocket, and another overview that relates rockets to Newton's Laws. As a group, read the articles and gather information that will help you in the design of your rocket. Complete the "Additional Learning" section of Table 3.
Space Rocket Launch with Laptops
3-D Printed Rocket
How the "Most Powerful" Rocket Works
Newton's Laws and Rockets Overview
Rocket Simulations
The following simulations allow you to experiment with mass, gravity, and design components of rockets. Complete the experiment of each simulation and fill in the "Simulations" section of Table 3.
Simulation #1: Mass of the Rocket
Simulation #2: Gravity's Impact on Rockets
Simulation #3: Design Components of a Model Rocket
Simulation #1: Mass of the Rocket
Simulation #2: Gravity's Impact on Rockets
Simulation #3: Design Components of a Model Rocket
Model Rocket Suggestions and Plans
Your main goal is to create a rocket that can launch a 290g payload. In this section, you should begin compiling ideas for a rocket design. Be sure to keep in mind the supplier list of materials available to you, the budget that you have been given, and your learning about the science related to rocket design. The following links will give you additional information about building a model or smaller scale rocket. Review this information and your prior learning, then choose the key features that you decide should be included in your rocket.
Scientific American Home Made Rockets
Toy Air Rockets
Water Propelled Rockets
Bottle Rockets
MIT Rocket Team
NASA Water Rocket Information
NASA Model Rocket Information
Scientific American Home Made Rockets
Toy Air Rockets
Water Propelled Rockets
Bottle Rockets
MIT Rocket Team
NASA Water Rocket Information
NASA Model Rocket Information
Table 3: Table 3 will compile all of the information from your group's "Step 9" guided and independent research. You may complete this as a hard copy or you may submit the form to your teacher as a Google doc.
table_3_for_rocket_pbl.pdf | |
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Presentation and Feedback:
Step 10: Presentations: Giving and Receiving Feedback (Explain)
Using the information from the articles and from the activities, create a digital poster concept map (using Google docs) that highlights the important features of rockets (a minimum of three) and their relationship to science. Use the above rubric to guide your poster creation. Submit this poster to your teacher via e-mail so that the posters can be reviewed by the class. Each group will present its poster to the class (2-3 minutes/group).
Step 11: Revising and Advancing Your Ideas (Evaluate)
Look at the posters from the class, the features of rockets, and the connections to science and engineering. With the members of your company, brainstorm a list of what you need to know about rockets and the applications of science. As a team, decide how to divide up the topics and research what you need to learn.
Using the information from the articles and from the activities, create a digital poster concept map (using Google docs) that highlights the important features of rockets (a minimum of three) and their relationship to science. Use the above rubric to guide your poster creation. Submit this poster to your teacher via e-mail so that the posters can be reviewed by the class. Each group will present its poster to the class (2-3 minutes/group).
Step 11: Revising and Advancing Your Ideas (Evaluate)
Look at the posters from the class, the features of rockets, and the connections to science and engineering. With the members of your company, brainstorm a list of what you need to know about rockets and the applications of science. As a team, decide how to divide up the topics and research what you need to learn.
- How has your thinking about rockets changed based on the new information? How will the changes in your thinking cause your ideas about rocket design to change?
- How will your learning and your new ideas help you answer the question: What key features of a rocket are necessary to create an efficient delivery system to resupply the ISS?
- To what extent can your learning be used to modify your ideas about rocket design?
- What data or supporting facts from the articles help support your rocket design?
- How do the data connect to your topic?
- Are there certain pieces of data that influence you more strongly than others? Are these data reliable?
rocket_poster_rubric_for_rocket_pbl.pdf | |
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Part 2 Assessment:
In your notebook, create three columns. Label the first column "I used to think", label the second column "Now I know", and label the third column "This relates to our rocket design because...". Record at least three ideas in each column. Discuss these items with your group and with the class during a class discussion.
In your notebook, create three columns. Label the first column "I used to think", label the second column "Now I know", and label the third column "This relates to our rocket design because...". Record at least three ideas in each column. Discuss these items with your group and with the class during a class discussion.
Part 3: Rocket Construction and Presentation
(Explain, Evaluate, and Elaborate)
Planning
(Explain, Evaluate, and Elaborate)
Planning
- Follow the "Request for Proposals" criteria to construct a rocket that can launch a 100 gram payload as high as possible.
Request for Proposals...Getting Started
request_for_proposals_for_rocket_pbl.pdf | |
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Planning
Use Google to create a calendar to plan your timeline for design, construction, and launch of your rocket. A sample calendar is provided below.
Use Google to create a calendar to plan your timeline for design, construction, and launch of your rocket. A sample calendar is provided below.
sample_calendar_for_rocket_pbl.pdf | |
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Forms and Hand-outs for Rocket Construction
certificate_of_assumed_name_for_rocket_pbl.pdf | |
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budget_information_sheet_for_rocket_pbl.pdf | |
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budget_projections_sheet_for_rocket_pbl.pdf | |
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badges_for_rocket_pbl.pdf | |
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scale_drawing_measurement_sheet_rocket_pbl.pdf | |
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graph_paper_for_pbl.pdf | |
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checks_for_rocket_pbl.pdf | |
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balance_sheet_rocket_pbl.pdf | |
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supply_request_form_rocket_pbl.pdf | |
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Launching Your Rocket
- Follow the directions to determine the stability of your rocket, including center of mass and center of pressure.
- Complete the "Pre-Launch Analysis" page.
- Complete the Flight Day Log.
- Complete a flight reflection page identifying which design features worked well, which design features could be improved, and supporting evidence for why you identified each of the features (include science reasons).
prelaunch_and_launch_analysis_for_rocket_pbl.pdf | |
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altitude_finder_tools_for_rocket_pbl.pdf | |
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altitude_finder_directions.pdf | |
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Presenting Your Design
(Explain, Evaluate, and Elaborate)
The presentation of your design will have three parts
Part 1: Rocket Construction
Part 2: Rocket Advertisement
(Explain, Evaluate, and Elaborate)
The presentation of your design will have three parts
Part 1: Rocket Construction
- Rocket is constructed according to the science principles studied in class, learned from readings, observed in activities, and gathered from research.
- Costs do not exceed budget.
- Well-constructed. Withstands the pressures of launch and "re-entry".
Part 2: Rocket Advertisement
- Create a presentation or advertisement to sell your rocket design, the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of your rocket.
- Advertisements may include, but are not limited to, print (posters, brochures), Google presentations (similar to power point), or video presentations.
rocket_pbl_rubric_for_rocket_advertisement.pdf | |
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Part 3: Paper Outlining Efficiency and Supporting Science
- The paper includes: choices of the design features made by your company, evidence to support your choices (from experiments, readings, and research), and science background for your rocket design and construction.
- The paper includes citation of supporting evidence used in your paper.
rocket_pbl_rubric_for_paper.pdf | |
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Every reasonable attempt has been made to insure that the web pages are educationally sound and do not contain links to any questionable material. Furthermore, Teacher Collaborate cannot control and is not responsible for any material available on the Internet or the World Wide Web. Teacher Collaborate cannot guarantee the privacy of persons visiting this site or any site established on the Internet or World Wide Web.
Every reasonable attempt has been made to insure that the web pages are educationally sound and do not contain links to any questionable material. Furthermore, Teacher Collaborate cannot control and is not responsible for any material available on the Internet or the World Wide Web. Teacher Collaborate cannot guarantee the privacy of persons visiting this site or any site established on the Internet or World Wide Web.