Rocket Science! Mr McGregor Part 1

Overview of Unit Activity Learning Build & launch kitset rocket Analysing distance time graph & do speed calculations Model the kitset rocket in the simulation software Analyse speed time graphs Build a balloon powered car to go as far as possible Analyse forces and apply Newton’s Laws of Motion Measure the thrust from a rocket motor Optimise parachute design Use simulation to design own rocket then build rocket (3D print nose cone, laser cut fins, choose rocket motor & tube diameter, own parachute design) Recap all of topic Rocket Launch!

Assessment & Groupings You will work in TEACHER ASSIGNED pairs You will be expected to do theory activities for prep - explanatory videos and workbook tasks There will be two assessments: Written report explaining the physics behind rockets (2 credits, internal) Science examination on Mechanics (4 credits, external)

Read and sign the Model Rocket Safety Code

Parts of a Rocket

Solid Rocket Engines

Flight Paths of a model rocket

Demonstration Flight

Build Kitset Rocket Equipment: Kitset rocket, including: Rocket motor Instructions (stored in rocket) Nose cone Fins Body tube Shock cord Kevlar string Plastic streamer Rocket motor Ignitor Bluetac Wadding Prepare your rocket: Remove nose cone & empty rocket Insert 3x wadding Insert rolled recovery streamer Attach nose cone to shock cord Insert all of cord into rocket and fit nose cone Insert ignitor into rocket motor and secure with bluetac Insert ignitor into rocket Get your rocket checked! Label your rocket with vivid

Determining Altitude Stand a known distance away from the launch site Measure the angle to the highest point of the rocket flight Use trigonometry to determine the maximum height Max height = height to eye level + distance from launch x tan(angle) Max height Angle Height to eye level Distance from launch

Rocket Launch Before launch must check: Launch area clear Skies clear Exact distance for determining altitude Rocket Launch Before launch must check: Launch area clear Skies clear 3, 2, 1, launch Everyone must be paying attention when launching! Rocket could go anywhere… Review model rocket safety code... 5m zone for launching group only 20m zone for spectators

Cleaning Graph When you receive your rocket motion analysis, it should have an altitude-time graph already drawn. However, you should modify the graph: Give graph a suitable title Ensure it has axis labels on both axis Ensure both axis start at zero Make sure the line is a suitable thickness Add in minor-gridlines