Model Rocket Design Project

Objective:

Design and create a physical model rocket that will be launched.

Rocket Criteria and Constraints

·  When designing your model rocket, you must use only supplies given to you or supplies approved by the teacher.

·  The rocket must be less than two feet high

·  The Rocket must have 3 or 4 Fins made from Balsa wood

·  The rocket must use one engine whose sizes are specified by the teacher and are mounted safely in the rocket as discussed in class (engine hook, engine stop, and engine holder tube).

·  The rocket must employ a parachute for safe decent that will deploy automatically.

·  The rocket must contain parts that are listed on the Parts of a Model Rocket handout.

·  The rocket must be painted or decorated.

·  The rocket may use a nose cone supplied in class or you may build your own as long as it’s built outside of class.

·  Rocket must stand up by itself.

·  Engine clip must not touch the ground.

·  Rocket must launch.

Use the space below to sketch out the rocket launch site: (Include angle of sight and adjacent side length)

Use the space below to set-up your cross multiplication to determine rocket launch height.

______= ______

Final Solution Grading Rubric

Category / 10 / 7 / 5 / 0 / Score
Criteria and Constraints met / All criteria and constraints have been met / 1 of the criteria and constraints have not been met / 2 of the criteria and constraints have not been met / 3 or more of the criteria and constraints have not been met
Measuring / The following Measurements are correct:
• 2” Straw
• Straw 1” from Top
• .5” of Engine Mount Shown
• Clip stick out .25”
• Fins are smaller than 2” high.
• Fins are smaller than 4” long.
• Fins are equally spaced (2 Points)
• Rocket stands on its own (2 Points) / One point deducted per incorrect measurement unless marked with 2 points.
Performance / Rocket performed well and properly flew to a high height / Parachute did not work correctly. / Parachute did not eject from rocket / Little regard for the performance of the rocket or it did not fly
Overall Completeness /neatness / The rocket is neatly constructed without any of the following defects (1-2 Points Each)
• Extra Glue
• Fins Not Sanded
• Fins Not Straight
• Fins Not Identical / 1-2 point deduction per flaw depending on how drastic the problem.
Height Calculations / Height of the Rocket was properly calculated and work was shown including a sketch. / Height of the Rocket was properly calculated but work was not shown / Height of the Rocket was not properly calculated and/or work was not shown / Height of the Rocket was not calculated and work was not shown

Comments: Total: /50 (Divided by two in grade book)

**** 3 Points Extra Credit will be given to students who can Safely catch their rocket after flight.

Last updated 6/3/14 by Mr. Hess