How Does a Rocket's Recovery System Deploy?

Middle School | Daily Do

How Does a Rocket's Recovery System Deploy?

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Sensemaking is actively trying to figure out how the world works (science) or how to design solutions to problems (engineering). Students do science and engineering through the science and engineering practices. Engaging in these practices necessitates that students be part of a learning community to be able to share ideas, evaluate competing ideas, give and receive critique, and reach consensus. Whether this community of learners is made up of classmates or family members, students and adults build and refine science and engineering knowledge together.

Lesson Snapshot

Middle school students, as scientists, investigate particle motion and forces to answer the following driving question: How does a rocket's recovery system deploy? Students are introduced to a phenomenon by watching videos showing successful recovery system deployment and unsuccessful deployment. Students create initial models to explain why one recovery system deployed and the other didn’t, using their understanding of particle motion and forces. Students collaboratively plan an investigation and use simulations to determine how gases inside the model rocket could move the parachute and nose cone. Students revise their models and use their understanding of balanced forces to set up rockets for successful recovery system deployment.

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

Materials

Student Materials

Per Student

Notice and Wonder Chart
Model Rocket Parts Diagram
Initial Model Template
Cross-Section of Model Rocket Engine
Model Rocket Flight Diagram
Guidance for States of Matter Simulation or Guidance for Gas Properties Simulation
Access to a computer or mobile device to run PhET Simulation: States of Matter Basics or PhET Simulation: Gas Properties
Modeling Balanced and Unbalanced Forces on Rockets
Exit Ticket — Nose Cone Explanation

Teacher Materials

Preparing a rocket for launch clip https://youtu.be/Nox3McL7E9I?t=337 (5:37–6:53)
Folding the parachute https://youtu.be/H9261CQ0v2E?t=421 (7:01–7:21)
Successful Recovery clip (continuation of clip above) https://youtu.be/Nox3McL7E9I?t=466 (7:46– 9:27)
Alt Successful Recovery clip https://youtu.be/wfUrUc6JtHw?t=28 (0:28 – 0:49)
Failed Recovery clip https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1zwq8kXe6G3YXph2GI-YlPsMklybPoVs4
See through Model Rocket engine burn in real time https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDDXX2OrnzY
See through Model Rocket engine burn in slow motion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfltVJu29yE
See through Model Rocket engine burn with focus on ejection charge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQxamPMXrbM
Animation showing engine burn during different flight stages https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXZEw7m-kIc

Exploration Generation Model Rocketry Forces Playlist

This lesson is the first of two lessons in the Model Rocketry Forces playlist. The playlist is an instructional sequence in which students use their understanding of forces to design a process for successful rocket recovery system deployment.