Project

Designing and Building Mid-Powered Rockets

Intro

Designing and building a mid-powered rocket to safely launch a marshmallow astronaut in a space suit designed to ensure his survival.

Science Domains: Engineering, Technology & Applications of Science, Physical Science

NGSS Standards: MS-ETS1-4, MS-PS3-1

Project Poster

Download the project poster as a PDF. The project poster includes a description of the challenge, learning goals, and a list of materials and references.

Download The Poster (PDF)

Learning Objectives

Using mid-powered rockets to teach Newton’s laws by testing the survivability of a marshmallow astronaut during high G-force flight. Students will gather, analyze and interpret data to guide the design of a spacesuit capable of limiting marshmallow damage during rocket launch and flight.

Project Materials

G-Force Test

  • Mid-power rocket parts
  • Mallownaut
  • Metal BBs, pellets etc.
  • PocketLab

Air Rockets

  • Copy Paper
  • Duct tape
  • Air compressor
  • Compressed air launch rail
  • Craft foam
  • Hot glue gun with glue sticks
  • Glow sticks (night launches)