Science Learning Community: Science and Engineering Lesson Plans
Rocket and Space Exploration Project
Tara Rose
7/17/14
This lesson is a science and engineering based project on planning and developing a model rocket that works
the best at the lowest cost.
Student Problem: You are an engineer for NASA, and you are needed to make a model rocket that will make it
to the moon. The goal is to make a rocket that will reach the moon from earth (8 meters), while using the least
amount of money and with the materials provided.
Grade Level and Subject Area
Grades 10-12 in High School Astronomy
Time Frame
4 Days
Objectives: Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
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Describe the motion relationship between the Sun, Earth, and Moon
Recognize the interior and surface structures of the Earth and Moon
Understand moon phases and layers of the Earth’s atmosphere
Explain the different theories on the origin and history of the Earth and Moon
Communicate and discuss possible plans to solve the problem they have been presented
Design a rocket solution through engineering that will perform well enough to get to the moon
Evaluate a solution that accounts for reliability and cost
Next Generation Science Standards
HS-ESS2-6.
Develop a quantitative model to describe the cycling of carbon among the hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere.
HS-ESS1-6.
Apply scientific reasoning and evidence from ancient Earth materials, meteorites, and other planetary surfaces to construct an account
of Earth’s formation and early history.
HS-ETS1-2.
Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved
through engineering.
HS-ETS1-3.
Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of
constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.
Standards for Technological Literacy
Standard 7- Students will develop an understanding of the influence of technology on history.
Funded by an Elementary and Secondary Education Act Title IIb Wisconsin Improving Teacher Quality Grant in
Partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Stout
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Science Learning Community: Science and Engineering Lesson Plans
Standard 9- Students will develop an understanding of engineering design
Standard 10- Student will develop an understanding of the role of troubleshooting, research and development, invention and
innovation, and experimentation in problem solving.
Common Core State Standards in Mathematics
MP.2
Reason abstractly and quantitatively. (HS-ESS2-1),(HS-ESS2-2),(HS-ESS2-3),(HS-ESS2-4),(HS-ESS2-6)
MP.4
Model with mathematics. (HS-ESS2-1),(HS-ESS2-3),(HS-ESS2-4),(HS-ESS2-6)
HSN.Q.A.1
Use units as a way to understand problems and to guide the solution of multi-step problems; choose and interpret units consistently in
formulas; choose and interpret the scale and the origin in graphs and data displays. (HS-ESS2-1),(HS-ESS2-2),(HS-ESS2-3),(HS-ESS24),(HS-ESS2-6)
HSN.Q.A.2
Define appropriate quantities for the purpose of descriptive modeling. (HS-ESS2-1),(HS-ESS2-3),(HS-ESS2-4),(HS-ESS2-6)
HSN.Q.A.3
Choose a level of accuracy appropriate to limitations on measurement when reporting quantities. (HS-ESS2-1),(HS-ESS2-2),(HS-ESS23),(HS-ESS2-4),(HS-ESS2-5),(HS-ESS2-6)
Common Core State Standards in English and Language Arts
RST.11-12.1
Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts, attending to important distinctions the author makes
and to any gaps or inconsistencies in the account. (HS-ESS2-2),(HS-ESS2-3)
RST.11-12.2
Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; summarize complex concepts, processes, or information presented in a text by
paraphrasing them in simpler but still accurate terms. (HS-ESS2-2)
WHST.9-12.7
Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a
problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding
of the subject under investigation. (HS-ESS2-5)
Prior Learning
Earth and Moon Unit:
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Origin and History of Earth and Moon
Surface and Interior of Earth and Moon
Motion of the Earth and Moon
Earth’s Atmosphere
Moon Phases
Materials
Materials for Content Knowledge: Earth and moon powerpoint presentation, projector, and computer
Materials for Rocket Project: Plastic bottle (varying sizes), water, alka-seltzer, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, baking soda,
corks, caps, paper towels, toilet paper, brown paper, scotch tape, duct tape, hot glue, film canister, play dough containers, plastic
tubing, wood platform
Funded by an Elementary and Secondary Education Act Title IIb Wisconsin Improving Teacher Quality Grant in
Partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Stout
Page 2
Science Learning Community: Science and Engineering Lesson Plans
LESSON IMPLEMENTATION
Objective: Upon completion of this lesson, students will be able to:
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Communicate and discuss possible plans to solve the problem they have been presented
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Design a rocket solution through engineering that will perform well enough to get to the moon
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Evaluate a solution that accounts for reliability and cost
Pre-Assessment
Review the motions of the earth and moon around the sun. Students will draw a diagram representing the movement
of the earth around the sun and the moon around the earth.
Procedures
Time
Instructional Strategies/Learning Tasks
Purpose
Day 1
Anticipatory Set- Discussion on the following questions
Review content and
spark discussion
What parts of the atmosphere and surface features of both the earth
and moon are important for space travel?
Introduction of Rocket and Space Exploration Project
Start Engineering Design Process- Identify Problem, Imagine, Research,
and plan
Day 2
History and Basics of Space Exploration- Discussion and then Research
worksheet
Present problem and
directions to the class.
Introduce engineering
design process
Think, collaborate,
research, and start
planning and
drawing their rocket
design
Learn more about the
history of space
exploration
Engineering Design Process- Plan and Start Creating
Day 3
Engineering Design Process- Test Initial Design and improve design
Discussion of relating rockets to physics concept including: forces,
gravity, laws of motion, and momentum
To help improve
initial design and
make the best rocket
To relate project to
prior knowledge,
review, and see real
live example of
physics concepts
Funded by an Elementary and Secondary Education Act Title IIb Wisconsin Improving Teacher Quality Grant in
Partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Stout
Page 3
Science Learning Community: Science and Engineering Lesson Plans
Day 4
Final Rocket Test
Student ReflectionWhat engineering practices did you use during this project?
See what rockets
performed well
enough to make it to
the moon, with the
least amount of cost.
All while meeting the
rubric requirements
Students will get to
reflect and evaluate
their work in the
project
What do you think went well with your rocket?
If you did the project again, what would you do differently?
Watch Apollo 13
A great real world
example of NASA,
Space exploration,
and the engineering
process
Formative Assessment
Throughout the lesson I will checking for understand with questions to the whole class on design process and space
exploration. I will also be checking in with groups individually to check understand of concepts, design, and overall
work ethic.
Closure
Student reflection (see above for more details), class discussion, and movie, Apollo 13 on visual example of space
travel and engineering design.
Summative Assessment
Rocket Project Grade based on rubric meeting requirements, Earth and Moon Unit Test and Astronomy Final Exam
Funded by an Elementary and Secondary Education Act Title IIb Wisconsin Improving Teacher Quality Grant in
Partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Stout
Page 4