High school students, as scientists, investigate what happens at both the macroscopic and atomic scales of chemical reactions to answer questions that they have about generating thrust. Students launch a model rocket and view a slow-motion video to observe the fuel burning. Next, they plan a simulation using magnets to model the changes in energy that occur when connections between atoms (bonds) are broken or formed. 

Click the Download PDF button above for the complete Lesson Plan.

This lesson is Lesson 2 of the Combustion of Rocket Propellants Playlist.

Student Materials

Per student

• ExGen_HSPlay_L2_SG
• Safety Goggles

Per small group (2–4 students)

• Rocket and engine
• Phone or other devices to record model rocket flight
• Optional: Mini AltiTrak or Estes Altimeter

Teacher Materials

• ExGen HSPlay L2  Slides
• Launchpad(s) (See Lesson Preparation section below.)
• Hobby knife 
• Rocket kit instructions (for example, Cosmic Ray)
• Estes Education: Understanding Rocketry Basics video
• Estes Education: How to Launch with a Large Group
• National Association of Rocketry (NAR) Safety Code 
• Phone or other devices to record student launches
• Additional Demonstration Videos (Magnetic Marble Investigation)

Optional Teacher Resources

• Estes: Rockets FAQs
• Estes: New to Rocketry
• Estes Education: How To: Fly Safely
• For any questions that aren’t addressed in the Teacher Materials, email Estes Education at educator@estesrockets.com.
• 5.4 Supplement: Options for Modelling Lesson 5 Fuels