Intro to Water Rockets
Phase 1: Water Rocket Research & Design
Problem, Need, or Opportunity: Construct a water rocket out of maker materials (not a kit) that stays aloft as long as possible.
Introduction:
Take a look at videos listed below. Each one has something to offer in terms of understanding the process of building and launching a successful water rocket.
The first set of videos is not really about water rockets. However, it is a great example of great thought process in creating the best rocket, and having some fun along the way!
Trashcan Rocket Project: Watch them in order
Problem, Need, or Opportunity: Construct a water rocket out of maker materials (not a kit) that stays aloft as long as possible.
Introduction:
Take a look at videos listed below. Each one has something to offer in terms of understanding the process of building and launching a successful water rocket.
The first set of videos is not really about water rockets. However, it is a great example of great thought process in creating the best rocket, and having some fun along the way!
Trashcan Rocket Project: Watch them in order
Next up, the Sci Guys explain how Water Rockets work. Keep in mind that we will not use all the same steps they do, but you can definitely get some ideas for your rocket here:
Now lets learn a little bit about how water and air pressure work in the water rockets:
Okay, we have seen the basics, now lets see how the pros do it with some really cool high end water rocket designs:
Research
You may use one of the resources above in your research, but you must find at least 2 others on your own. Be sure to record the WHOLE url/web address of the resources that you use on your EDP. Also, keep in mind that you will need to design what your bottle, nose cone, and fins will be made out of.
Design
As you work through your research, develop ideas for the design of your rocket. Keep in mind that the 3 main design aspects for the Prototype 1 will be the shape/material for your nosecone, the shape and number of your wings, and the shape/size of your bottle. Draw your designs on your Water Rocket Prototype 1 EDP form, and be sure to construct at least 1 sentence for each describing your designs/ideas in more detail.
Now lets learn a little bit about how water and air pressure work in the water rockets:
Okay, we have seen the basics, now lets see how the pros do it with some really cool high end water rocket designs:
Research
You may use one of the resources above in your research, but you must find at least 2 others on your own. Be sure to record the WHOLE url/web address of the resources that you use on your EDP. Also, keep in mind that you will need to design what your bottle, nose cone, and fins will be made out of.
Design
As you work through your research, develop ideas for the design of your rocket. Keep in mind that the 3 main design aspects for the Prototype 1 will be the shape/material for your nosecone, the shape and number of your wings, and the shape/size of your bottle. Draw your designs on your Water Rocket Prototype 1 EDP form, and be sure to construct at least 1 sentence for each describing your designs/ideas in more detail.
Phase 2: Water Rocket Construction
Step 1: Bottle Prep
To get your bottle ready for its conversion to a high powered rocket, we need to insulate the bottle in certain parts with duct tape. Be sure to tape the part of the bottle where you are going to be attaching fins to your bottle. The tape will ensure that you do not melt the bottle with the hot glue gun.
Step 2: Fin Construction
Now lets talk about fin construction. With our Intro rockets, we will be constructing fins for out of foam board. Follow the steps below in this process:
Step 3: Nose Cone Construction
This step is could vary widely depending upon the amount of different ideas that we have for nosecones.
Step 1: Bottle Prep
To get your bottle ready for its conversion to a high powered rocket, we need to insulate the bottle in certain parts with duct tape. Be sure to tape the part of the bottle where you are going to be attaching fins to your bottle. The tape will ensure that you do not melt the bottle with the hot glue gun.
Step 2: Fin Construction
Now lets talk about fin construction. With our Intro rockets, we will be constructing fins for out of foam board. Follow the steps below in this process:
- Remind yourself of your fin design
- Cut out fin shapes from foam board piece. Be sure to use your foam board efficiently!
- Use fabric tape measure to measure the circumference of your bottle cylinder. Take this measurement and divide by the number of fins you are using. This calculation will tell you how far apart your fins should be on the bottle to make sure they are equal distance from each other.
- Use the fabric tape measure to make the marks around your cylinder. Use the calculation in 3 for the distance between fins. Marks need to be on the duct tape.
- Attach fins to the bottle at the marks using glue from hot glue guns. MAKE SURE THE FINS/GLUE ARE CONTACTING THE BOTTLE ONLY AT PARTS WHERE YOU HAVE TAPE. As you are gluing, make sure the fins are running parallel with the long side of the bottle. This will ensure proper performance.
Step 3: Nose Cone Construction
This step is could vary widely depending upon the amount of different ideas that we have for nosecones.
- http://www.explainthatstuff.com/spacerockets.html
- https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/nasa-knows/what-is-a-rocket-58.html
- https://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Rockets.html
- https://app.discoveryeducation.com/learn/videos/fcb6779c-c06c-4c37-bc21-31d8a3d70b31?hasLocalHost=true