Study of
Projectile Motion using Straw Rockets
Columbia Preparatory School, Manhattan
Summer Research Program
for Science Teachers
August 2008
OBJECTIVES:
·
study
motion through student inquiry and independent investigation
·
investigate how the launch angle of a projectile affects the distance traveled
·
consider
the forces on a projectile and how they might affect the flight
·
practice
problem solving skills using kinematics equations
BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE:
1-D
kinematics
intro to
2-D motion
vector
addition
trigonometry
MATERIALS:
[enough
for each student to make 2 rockets]
Pitsco
Straw Rocket Launcher
Pitsco
Precision Straws (or regular straws!!)
index
cards
molding
clay
tape
markers
PROCEDURES:
ACT I:
design [day 1 after
introduction and discussion]
·
show
students how the launcher works
·
distribute materials and ask each student to design their own rocket
[give NO
instruction here on design options]
·
let them
launch a few times just to get it out of their system!!
ACT II: launch angle [day 2]
·
divide
students into small groups each group has own launcher
·
ask
students to launch their rockets at varying angles from 10°
to 80°
·
each
student should record (approximately no need for precision measurements yet)
the distance their rocket traveled at each angle
·
ask them
to get together as a group and predict what angle is going to result in the
furthest distance traveled
·
get the
students to discuss WHY (using physics!!!) they think 45°
produces the greatest distance
ACT III: redesign [day 3]
·
talk
about what they noticed in their groups about which rocket went the furthest
·
brainstorm about the forces encountered (and discuss) during the flight
·
ask each
student to design another rocket for the distance competition
ACT IV: distance competition [day 4]
·
allow
each student to launch (@45°)
their redesigned rocket
·
each
student must carefully measure the total horizontal distance traveled
·
and of
course they should just goof around and have fun
because
who doesnt love playing with rockets?!!
FOLLOW UP ASSIGNMENT:
calculate the initial velocity of the straw using known values you know:
launch
angle
vertical
acceleration
horizontal acceleration
vertical displacement
horizontal displacement
RELEVANT SCIENCE STANDARDS:
TEACHING
STANDARD A
plan an
inquiry based science program
TEACHING STANDARD B
guide and facilitate learning interact with students, support
inquiries, orchestrate discussion, encourage participation and curiosity
TEACHING STANDARD D
design/manage a learning environment to provide time and resources for
learning science prolonged investigations & use of outside resources
TEACHING STANDARD E
develop a community of science learners that reflects the rigor of
scientific inquiry facilitate ongoing discussions regarding scientific
discourse
CONTENT STANDARD A
scientific inquiry
CONTENT STANDARD B
physical science
CONTENT STANDARD E
science & technology /
technological design