Exploring Space - The Science of Rockets
How Do Rockets Work?
A rocket moves forward when gases
shooting out the back of the rocket push it in
the opposite direction.
Exploring Space - The Science of Rockets
Rocket Altitude
A rocket’s altitude is how high it
is above the ground. Use the
graph to answer the following
questions about how a model
rocket’s altitude changes over
time.
Exploring Space - The Science of Rockets
Rocket Altitude
Reading Graphs:
What two variables are being
graphed? In what units is
each variable measured?
Altitude and time, meters and
seconds
Exploring Space - The Science of Rockets
Rocket Altitude
Reading Graphs:
What was the rocket’s altitude
after 2 seconds? After 4
seconds?
About 65 meters; about 128
meters
Exploring Space - The Science of Rockets
Rocket Altitude
Reading Graphs:
At what time did the rocket
reach its greatest altitude?
6 seconds
Exploring Space - The Science of Rockets
Rocket Altitude
Inferring:
Why do you think the rocket
continued to rise after it ran
out of fuel?
The rocket’s inertia caused
it to continue to rise after its
fuel ran out. Eventually
friction caused the rocket to
slow down and gravity
caused it to fall.
Exploring Space - The Science of Rockets
A Multistage Rocket
A typical multistage rocket has three
stages. Each of the first two stages burns
all of its fuel and then drops off. The next
stage then takes over.
Exploring Space - The Science of Rockets
Using Prior Knowledge
Before you read, write what you know about rockets in a
graphic organizer like the one below. As you read, write what
you learn.
What You Know
1.
2.
3.
Rockets were used to help transport astronauts to the moon.
Rockets burn fuel.
Rockets must move at high speed to escape the force of gravity.
What You Learned
1.
2.
3.
The first rockets were made in China in the 1100s.
Burning fuel creates thrust–the reaction force that propels a rocket
forward.
The escape velocity a rocket needs to leave Earth’s gravitational pull is
about 40,200 kilometers per hour.
Exploring Space - The Science of Rockets
Rockets
Click the Video button to watch a movie about rockets.
Exploring Space - The Space Program
Asking Questions
Before you read, preview the red headings. In a graphic
organizer like the one below, ask a question for each
heading. As you read, write answers to your questions.
Question
What was the “space race”?
Which country placed a
person in orbit first?
When did people first walk
on the moon?
Answer
The rivalry in the exploration
of space between the United
States and the former Soviet
Union
The Soviet Union
1969
Exploring Space - Exploring Space Today
The Space Shuttle
NASA has used space shuttles to
perform many important tasks. These
include taking satellites into orbit,
repairing damaged satellites, and
carrying astronauts and equipment to
and from space stations.
Exploring Space - Exploring Space Today
Outlining
As you read, make an outline
about exploring space. Use
the red headings for the main
topics and the blue headings
for the subtopics.
Exploring Earth Today
I. Working in Space
A. Space Shuttles
B. Space Stations
II. Space Probes
A. How Do Probes Work?
B. Exploring With Space
Probes
Exploring Space - Using Space Science on Earth
Identifying Main Ideas
As you read the section “Space Spinoffs,” write the main idea
in a graphic organizer like the one below. Then write three
supporting details that further explain the main idea.
Main Idea
The space program has produced many spinoffs in areas such as…
Detail
Medical Science–
technology of the
space program
has led to lasers
that can clean
clogged arteries.
Detail
Materials–
fire-resistant
material developed
for spacesuits is
used in fireproof
clothing.
Detail
Consumer Products–
cordless power tools
were first developed
for astronauts.
Exploring Space
Graphic Organizer
Astronaut
Year
Spacecraft
Accomplishment
Yuri Gagarin
1961
Vostok 1
First human in
space
Alan Shepard
1961
Freedom 7
First American in
space
John Glenn
1962
Friendship 7
First American to
orbit Earth
Neil Armstrong
1969
Apollo 11 or Eagle
First human to walk
on the moon