Experiences

Water rocket

Aleksandar Angelov (center for creative education)

Bulgaria

High Secondary School

Maths, Physics, Technology, Science

Teaching in class, Extracurricular activity

Direct

Target group: students: years 12-15/ grade 6-9
Objectives: to be applied project based studying, stepping on paper rocket project activity
Key competences:
Communication in mother language
Communication in foreign language
Mathematics competence and basic knowledge in natural sciences and technology
Study skills
Initiative and entrepreneurial skills
Duration: 7 hours
Place: Every class room
Short description of the activity: The task of the students is while working in teams to design, build and launch water rocket. They have 1 million budget to build it. There are certain materials and limited time for to design their rockets. The students should use their budget, knowledge and time wisely.
Stages of water rocket activity:
• History of rocket
• Design and construction of the rocket
• Launching of the water rocket

Materials and resources: 'rocket' package, plastic bottles, aluminium cans of Coke, cards, boards, colored cardboard, tape, paper tape, glue, kite string, clay, paint spray, plastic bags, markers, envelopes/bags with zipper, scissors, rulers, compasses, timers. Startup device for water rocket.
http://exploration.grc.nasa.gov/education/rocket/BottleRocket/about.htm
Project based studying method is recommended. It focuses on the basic concepts and principles of a subject, students have the possibility to work on solving problems, to work independently and to gain knowledge through study and the activity ends with a realistic practical project.