Science 6 Students Design and Launch Rockets
St. Stephen’s youngest Spartans have studied Newton’s three laws of motion in Science 6 throughout the school year, including flipping and shoving washers to demonstrate how different forces move materials. After they returned to school from the long winter break, each student created a water rocket out of plastic soda bottles.
Throughout the design and construction phases of the project, 6th graders learned about the importance of employing a weighted ballast and properly locating it within the rocket design for balance. Their creative explorations also included making aerodynamic fins and nose cones that would minimize drag and increase stability during flight.
“Water rockets use air pressure combined with water to launch high into the air,” explained Middle School science teacher Kindy Verderber. “The rocket is partially filled with water and then pressurized with air, which is pumped into the rocket from the bottom. This air floats through the water and fills the top of the water.”
Verderber’s students had a great time collecting data from their launches, as well as competing with one another on the best rocket design.
Address: 6500 St. Stephen's Dr., Austin, TX 78746
Phone: (512) 327-1213
Phone: (512) 327-1213