Mrs. Newton

Model Rocketry

Parts of a model rocket

 Refer to the diagram belowt to identify and become familiar with the following rocket parts:

Nose Cone
Shock Cord
Recovery Wadding
Engine Mount
Body Tube
Fins
Parachute
Launch Lug

What is model rocketry?

Model Rockets are low powered, small rockets designed to reach low altitudes, usually 100-500m, that can be recovered after launch.

Model rockets are constructed out of paper, plastic or wood and by law must be designed to include a recovery system.

Introduction to rockets:

Using the following website links to answer the following questions related to rockets and model rocketry. Record your answers in a research section on your module webpage.

Questions:
1.) what type of engine is a rocket engine?
2.) What are two main types of rockets?
3.) What is in the fuel of a rocket engine?
4.) When were rockets first used?
5.) What are the main parts of a rocket?
6.)What do rockets and Sir Isaac Newton have in common?
7.) List two of Newton's Laws.
8.) Name 3 regulations governing how model rockets are used in Canada.
9.) What are rockets being used for today?
10.) When is the next rocket launch scheduled for?

Student Assignment:

On your website create a module page for rocketry. Create a definitions section on your page. For each of the rocket parts listed above write a definition for each and tell why they are important.
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Model rocket nose cone shapes and designs.
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Model rocket fin shape and design
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Model Rocket Fin Placement:

3 Fin Design

4 Fin Design

Rocket design:

forces that act on rockets

A number of forces act on a rocket during flight. Use the diagrams and the internet to explore these forces and answer the following questions on your module page:

1.) List the forces that act on a rocket during flight.

2.) What is thrust?

3.) What is drag?

4.) Why is fin design and fin placement important?

How to Build a model rocket

Watch the video on model rocket construction.

Student Assignment:

While you are watching the following demonstration take notes based on the procedure being used to construct the model rocket.

On your module page:

1.) List all the materials you will need to build your model rocket

2.)Write a step by step procedure for building your model rocket.

3.) Draw a detailed sketch of the following:

    a.) Your fin design
    b.) Your nose cone design
    c.) A full sketch of your rocket

Rocket Construction

 rocket stability

Rocket stability is import because it affects the flight of a rocket. For a rocket to be stable the center of gravity must be above the center of pressure. If the center of gravity is not above the center of pressure the flight will be unstable and the rocket will not fly straight. When the rocket flies through the air it must be stable to be able to maintain a straight flight path. The airflow must be allowed to move equally on the rocket to ensure its path is not disturbed by a sudden gust of wind. A stable rocket will not be affected by slight shifts in air changes but an unstable rocket will spin and flip-flop out of control if flight conditions change or are disturbed.