Activity 1-1 Rocket Launch

All rockets were made according to the directions of Activity 1-1 in the Curriculum.   See details below.

Instructions:
Print this page!   Then read the detail specification of each rocket.   Play the "standard" rocket and measure the height the rocket obtains.   Based on the descriptions and specs of the other rockets, predict what height's you think they will reach.   After you right down your prediction, play the video, measure the height and record the results.   Compare your prediction with the results and try to explain what happened?

Rocket Description Specifications Measurements Hypothesis/Results
Standard Rocket Height - Rocket body:
Height - Cone:
Weight - Rocket & Fuel:
Weight - Payload:
Fuel Mixture:

5.5"
1.75"
22 grams
15 grams
10 ml H2O
1/4 slice Alka-zeltzer
  
Stretch - Twice As Tall Height - Rocket body:
Height - Cone:
Weight - Rocket & Fuel:
Weight - Payload:
Fuel Mixture:

11"
1.75"
24 grams
15 grams
10 ml H2O
1/4 slice Alka-zeltzer
  
Shortie - Half as Tall Height - Rocket body:
Height - Cone:
Weight - Rocket & Fuel:
Weight - Payload:
Fuel Mixture:

2.75"
1.75"
21 grams
15 grams
10 ml H2O
1/4 slice Alka-zeltzer
  
Open - No Cone Height - Rocket body:
Height - Cone:
Weight - Rocket & Fuel:
Weight - Payload:
Fuel Mixture:

5.5"
0"
22 grams
15 grams
10 ml H2O
1/4 slice Alka-zeltzer
  
No Wings/Fins Height - Rocket body:
Height - Cone:
Weight - Rocket & Fuel:
Weight - Payload:
Fuel Mixture:

5.5"
1.75"
21 grams
15 grams
10 ml H2O
1/4 slice Alka-zeltzer
  
Cone Only Shape Height - Rocket body:
Height - Cone:
Weight - Rocket & Fuel:
Weight - Payload:
Fuel Mixture:

0"
9.5"
35 grams
15 grams
10 ml H2O
1/4 slice Alka-zeltzer
  
Double H20 Height - Rocket body:
Height - Cone:
Weight - Rocket & Fuel:
Weight - Payload:
Fuel Mixture:

5.5"
1.75"
32 grams
15 grams
20 ml H2O
1/4 slice Alka-zeltzer
  
Double Fuel Height - Rocket body:
Height - Cone:
Weight - Rocket & Fuel:
Weight - Payload:
Fuel Mixture:

5.5"
1.75"
24 grams
15 grams
10 ml H2O
1/2 slice Alka-zeltzer
  
Double Everything Height - Rocket body:
Height - Cone:
Weight - Rocket & Fuel:
Weight - Payload:
Fuel Mixture:

5.5"
1.75"
48 grams
30 grams
20 ml H2O
1/2 slice Alka-zeltzer
  


Details

All rockets were made using regular printer paper and masking tape.   An 8.5 x 11 sheet, was cut into quarters to make the "standard" rocket.   Four fins/wings were added to at the bottom of each rocket.   Clear plastic film canister was the basis for the diameter of all rockets.   Standard fuel was originally 1/2 of a slice of Alka-zeltzer and approximately 10 ml of water.   The scale is marked every foot (12") for the major scale, and every half foot (6") in between for the minor scale.

After initial flights sailed about 13-14 feet in the air (off our marked scale of 7 feet!), we reduced from 1/2 a slice of Alka-zelter to 1/4 slice, and added a payload of two quarters each (50 cents).   You may need to adjust your rockets, depending on weight of paper used and volume of water in the fuel mixture.   Once you decide on a standard, measure eveything relative to that.