History of Rockets Webquest:
Introduction:
Rockets represent remarkable collections of human
ingenuity. NASA's Space Shuttle, for example, is one of
the most complex flying machines ever invented. It
stands upright on a launch pad, lifts off as a rocket,
orbits Earth as a spacecraft, and returns to Earth as a
gliding air plane. The rockets and spaceships of today
and the spaceships of the future have their roots in the
science and technology of the past. They are natural
outgrowths of literally thousands of years of
experimentation and research on rockets and rocket
propulsion.
Task:
 As an employee for NASA, your boss, Mr. Blast, has asked you to write a short
informational pamphlet on the history of rockets. This pamphlet will be
included in the informational material that NASA provides to visitors at its
facility. In your pamphlets, Mr. Blast, has asked you to include the following
information:









1. When and where were rockets invented?
2. When did the Europeans first become exposed to rockets?
3. How were rockets used throughout the ages? Give examples.
4. According to an old Chinese legend what did the Chinese official
named Wan-Hu do? What happened to him?
5. When were the scientific foundations for modern rocketry laid?
What were some examples of this work?
6. Who first proposed the idea of space exploration by rocket?
7. What did Robert H. Goddard (1882-1945) and Hermann Oberth (18941989) do to aid in the development of the modern rocket?
8. What role did Germany play in the development of the modern
rocket?
9. Briefly describe what has happened since the end of World War II in
the development of the rocket in both the United States and the Soviet
Union.
The Process:
 You will work alone on this Web quest. Keep in mind
that you will need to answer the key questions when
writing the informational pamphlet.
 You will need to follow the instructions provided in
class related to the length of the informational
pamphlet, etc...
 All answers to key questions should be recorded on
page 61 of your inb.
 You will work in groups later to create the pamphlet.
Resources:
 The following is a list of Internet resources that can be
used to complete this project. In addition to the Internet
links below you can use any book or magazine in your
classroom or library to help you gather information.
 http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/k12/TRC/Rockets/history_of_rockets.html
 http://history.msfc.nasa.gov/rocketry/
 http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blnasa.htm
For information on the history of rockets you should
visit Rocket History.
For information on creating pamphlets, go to
http://epubs.scu.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1143&co
ntext=educ_pubs and look at “How do I Emphasize the Main
Message of My Pamphlet?” on page 5.
Informational Pamphlet about
Rockets:
 You will use the information that you gained to create an
informational pamphlet about the History of Rockets.
 Groups 1 and 5 will create a pamphlet addressing
# 1, 2, and 4 of the key questions.
 Groups 2 and 6 will create a pamphlet addressing
#3 and #6.
 Groups 3 and 7 will create a pamphlet addressing
# 5 and #7.
 Groups 4 and 8 will create a pamphlet addressing
#8.
 Group 5 will create a pamphlet addressing #9.
How to create the pamphlet:
 1. Create a title- title should be located on 1st page of
brochure and should have a colored illustration.
 2. Make sure you choose, and stick to, specific
information about YOUR TOPIC. No one wants to
read something they don’t understand.
 3. Think about who you are creating the pamphlet for.
Use short sentences or phrases that include specific
information. Vary your writing by using bullet style, or
other types of lists. Make sure you include specifics
about your topic, and make it easy enough for a
fourth grader to read!!!!
 4. Write big enough for people to read!
 5. The purpose of a pamphlet it to sell people on an
idea or topic, so make it interesting.
Examples of Pamphlets:
Want to make a pamphlet on the
computer?
 Try these:
 https://www.lucidpress.com/pages/examples/freepamphlet-maker-online
 http://www.mycreativeshop.com/brochuretemplates.aspx
 How to make one in Word:
 http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Brochures-onMicrosoft-Word
 Strong Recommendation: If you make one online,
have all of your information ready BEFORE you begin.
Make sure you save immediately!!!!!
Evaluation:
 Your project will be evaluated on the following criteria: Is
your informational pamphlet clear and concise?
 Did you accurately include all the information requested?
 Are drawings and photographs clear and used
appropriately for the subject?
 Did you follow all instructions provided in class about
how to write your informational pamphlet?
 Were your classmates able to understand your topic and
key points from your pamphlet?
 Were your classmates, or teacher, bored?