MODEL ROCKET

Problem Solving Design Brief

Glen Ridge high School

Fundamentails of Engineering

SUBJECT: Aerospace Engineering

Problem:

In this activity you will only have one goal; to build a model rocket out of common classroom materials that will fly to the heights point.

Specifications:

  1. Rockets must be less than 12” tall.
  2. It may only use that A8-3 engine provided.
  3. It must be recovered after the launch therefore you must have a parachute or steamer.

Materials & resources:

  • Gum tape
  • Paper
  • Balsa wood
  • Straws
  • String
  • Elastic shock cord
  • Cork (from home)
  • 3x5 cards

Evaluation:

Quality & craftmanship = 1/3

Design = 1/3

Height = 1/3

final Evaluation

Portfolio: Each student is required to submit one portfolio following the design process. Please describe in the research the process you will follow to build a rocket out of classroom materials. Use pictures and describe the materials you will use in each step. Create a power point, Prezi or blog to display your building process. Here is a web site to get you started:

Explain the method we will use to find the height of the rocket using two students 100’ away and getting the approximate angle.

The Engineering Design Process

The design notebook should contain all, and may contain more, of the problem solving steps listed below.

Step 1 – Define the Problem.

Step 2 – Research the Problem.

Step 3 – Develop Possible Solutions.

Step 4 – Select the Best Solution.

Step 5 – Create a Prototype.

Step 6 – Test and Evaluate.

Step 7 – Communicate the Solution.

Step 8 – Redesign.

Rubric for Problem Solving Challenges

Category/Description Possible Points

Design Notebook containing:

Step 1- Define the Problem- a statement telling the details of the project./10

Step 2- Research the Problem-evidence that effort has been done to discover

background information./5

Step 3- Develop Possible Solutions- evidence that several possible ideas were

brainstormed and considered./5

Step 4- Select the Best Solution-specific reasons given to support, explain,

and rate the final choice./5

Step 5- Create a Prototype- a full or scaled model made to illustrate the solution./5

Step 6- Test and Evaluate- documentation given to show how the design team

judged the effectiveness of their solution./5

Step 7- Communicate the Solution- an explanation or illustrations of how the

design results will be shared with and presented to interested people./5

Step 8- Redesign-suggestions given as to how further refinements and

improvements need to be made./5

Overall impression of the design notebook (clear, neat, organized)/10

Design Notebook Total:/50

Models and or Drawings.

  1. Practical- the solution is economically feasible./10
  1. Realistic- the solution may be possible to implement./10
  1. Design Principles-the solution is aesthetically pleasing./10
  1. Materials-the solution uses materials that are appropriate to the design./10

5. Overall impression of the solution- craftsmanship, appealing, interesting./10

Solution Total:/50

Solution of the Design Challenge Total:/10