ROCKET CAR LESSON PLAN

Description: / Students will design and construct a rocket car in order to experiment with ways of increasing the distance and speed of the car.
Subject: / Mathematics, Science and Technology
Duration: / 210 min
GradeLevel: / 9
Standards: / NCTM-7-12.1.5.8 / ... use algebra to describe patterns, relations, and functions, and to model and solve problems
NCTM-7-12.1.5.12 / ... use mathematical modeling to solve problems from fields such as natural sciences, social sciences, business, and engineering
NCTM-7-12.1.5.13 / ... understand and apply the concepts of linear algebra
NSTA-4.C / ...Relate science to the personal lives, needs and interests of K-12 students.
NSTA-5.D / ...Use advanced technology to teach K-12 students science.
Resources: / NASA Space Education Resource Subject: Mathematics, Science and Technology / Grades: 7-12
This is the weblink that provides access to NASA's educational resource on Rockets.
Details
Objectives: / 1. To construct a rocket car.
2. To experiment with ways of increasing the distance and speed of the rocket car.
3. Analyze data graphically and communicate results.
4.Self-evaluate results of each part of the project.
Activities: / Part I: Planning and Design
a. Provide a neat, descriptive illustration of your car
b. Drawing must be done with a straight-edge (keep freehand to a minimum)
c. List materials that will be used (every car must have at least 3 wheels and only one balloon)
d. Explain the reasons for your design (remember it is important to make your car durable, efficient, and creative)
Part II: Report of Construction
a. Make your car neat as it will be graded on performance
b. A good car will be practical, durable and perform well
c. On the constuction report sheet be sure to discuss problems you had during construction and changes you had to make from your original plan (list things that went wrong and how you fixed them)
d. Include ideas that could be implemented to make a better car
Part III: Data Collection
a. Collect at least five trial runs with your car and record this data in the table
b. Complete all calculations
Part IV: Data Analysis
a. Be sure to answer all questions
b. A good report will reveal critical thought about the project
c. Be very descriptive about weaknesses/strengths
d. Be very descriptive about your cars peroformance and improvements that could bemade
Assessments: / 1. Observation
2. Holistic rubric for self-evaluation
3. Holistic rubric for teacher evaluation
4. Student questionnaire feedback
Comments: / STANDARDS USED:
SCIENCE
Observing MeasuringCollecting Data
Communicating Making Models Inferring
Interpreting Data Making graphs Investigating
MATH
Problem Solving Communication Reasoning
Connections Measurement Graphing
Analysis Patterns Relationships
PREREQUISITES:Students should be familiar with the following topics:
1. D = RT
2. Scatterplots
3. Line of best fit
4. Slope Formula
5. Finding the equation of a line in slope-intercept (y = mx + b) form
MATERIALS:
styrofoam platestape flexible straws
scissors pens, markers round party balloons
rulers rubber bands masking tape (for data track)
glue (not rubber cement) wheels (Push-up Sticks or other light round objects)
stop watches (for data collection)
MANAGEMENT/TIME LINE:
1. Students work in pairs
2. Total project lasts between 3-5 days
3. Set a timeline for each of the four parts of the project
a. Planning and Design
b. Construction
c. Data Collection
d. Analysis and Report
4. Grade each part separately or as a whole
5. Create your own rubric or performance task assessment list for grading the project
6. Make materials accessible and organized
7. Design a system for organizing cars between days of the project
8. Prepare for a messy floor and room!! FUN PROJECTS = MESSY ROOMS