Monday, October 7, 2013

Pushing the Limits of STEM via Rocketry


This is a rough draft of a grant proposal I am working on for Vernier. Send comments.
 
S.T.R.E.A.M.(Science Technology Rhetoric Engineering Arts and Math)

Plan: Take one simple technology of a film canister and cardstock and cardboard and go through the steps of STREAM

Warm-up: Drama Circles (attachment)

Experiment: Design and launch an alka rocket to reach its maximum height.

Inquiry questions:

Before launch:

1. What makes  rockets soar?

2. How were rockets used from ancient times to the present?

3. What are some stories or books or movies about rockets?

4. What are some songs or paintings about rockets?

5. What are other ways historically and in the present where people have pushed the limits?

6. When have you pushed the limits in your life professionally or personally? What were the results?

After launch:
 
1. What is the best alka seltzer to water ratio to give the most pop (gas)?

2. What it the best design to get the most altitude?

3. What is the gas produced in the reaction?

4. What chemical elements are in alka seltzer?

5. What are the products and reactants in the canister?

Response:

Write a story, a song, draw picture, a lab design, a chemical equation, a mathematical expression that depicts the alka rocket launch. Present to the class.

Extensions: 

Design a two liter bottle rocket that will be launched vertically that will stay in the air a maximum amount of time.

Design a two liter bottle rocket with a aerosol can top on the rocket top that will be launched at an angle. A tennis ball will be placed on the aerosol can and a garbage can down range will be the target for the golf ball.

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