1. Rocket Science!
Mr McGregor
Part 1

3. 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!

4. 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)

5. Read and sign the Model Rocket Safety Code

6. Parts of a Rocket

7. Solid Rocket Engines

10. Flight Paths of a model rocket

11. Demonstration Flight

12. 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

13. 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

15. 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

16. 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