Learning Focused Lesson Plan
Glynn Middle School – S. Carter
Course: Career Exploratory Technology: 6th Exploring Technology
Module: Whitebox Learning Rockets 2.0
Module Essential Question:
How do the elements of Weight, Drag, Thrust, & Stability affect the design of a Water Bottle Rocket?
Grades: 6 – 8
Standard: MSENGR-EET-1, MSENGR-EET-2, MSENGR-EET-3, MSENGR-EET-4, MSENGR-EET-7, MSENGR-II-3,
MSENGR-II-6, MSENGR-TS-1, MSENGR-TS-2, MSENGR-TS-3, MSENGR-TS-4, MSENGR-TS-6
Activity #1
Activity #2
Activity #3
Activity #4
Activity #5
Key Questions
What elements affect the
design of a Bottle Rocket?
What Careers are a part of
Aerospace Engineering?
What part does Recovery
play in rocket design?
Activating
Strategies
Motivation video: Rockets
Output Overview
“Get it IN SPEC”
Full Class Simulation
launch with top qualifiers
Orientation to Safety
Motivation Video
“Countdown to Launch”
Prompts /
Materials
Lab Manual, Text, Module,
computer station,
instructional technology,
Lab Manual, Text, Module,
computer station,
instructional technology,
Lab Manual, Text, Module,
computer station,
instructional technology,
Lab Manual, Text, Module,
computer station,
instructional technology,
Styrofoam blank, hot wire
cutter, safety materials
Lab Manual, Text,
Digital/Video Camera, race
track/model cars/Co2
cartridges, recording
database
Teaching
Strategies
Whitebox Learning
Module-Research Section
Whitebox Learning
Module-Output Section
Whitebox Learning
ModuleEngineering/Simulation
Whitebox Learning
Module-Build/Test Section
Whitebox Learning
Module-Build/Test Section
Application
(Extending &
Refining)
Lab Journal notes on
research topics.
Use vocabulary to describe
design specifications and
changes needed for
improvement.
Students will compete
against each other for
length of air time & total
height.
All specifications met.
Students ranked according
to launch results.
Output specifications listed
with red text indicating
“out-of-spec”. Monitor
Data
Students use simulations to
show performance
improvement (increased
travel time and height)
Students will use common
recycled materials to build
a rocket?
Successful race using a
Co2 powered dragster with
recorded reaction time.
Hands-on cars available for
application. Text uses
color to indicate success.
Students utilize Call Light
system for help. Students
use partners as guides.
Students utilize Call Light
system for help. Students
move at their own pace.
. Video walk through &
pictures of build. Students
may choose model rocket
and compare
As noted in roster for
individual students
As noted in roster for
individual students
As noted in roster for
individual students
As noted in roster for
individual students
Student Summary
Project /
Assessment
Differentiation
Accommodations
Complete Assign. #1
Check-off Sheet, Answer
Lab Journal Key Questions
Vocabulary List,
Background, Weight,
Thrust, Stability, &
Recovery Quiz, Drag
Worksheet, Program
Students utilize Call Light
system for help. pictures
with text. Printed check
sheet.
As noted in roster for
individual students
What are the design
limitations?
What does it mean to be
“In Spec.”?
How do I improve my
rocket design?
How do I use the
Engineering Tree to adjust
the design of the rocket?
How do I build my rocket?
Why is safety important
when using machines &
tools?
What parts may change
during the build?
How do I complete a
successful launch of the
Water Bottle Rocket?
Students understand
transition & adaptation of
computer model into
working model.
Students compare their
finished model to others
and evaluate the build.
Students will take video &
still pictures of
performance.
Record finish & reaction
times.