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Lesson Plan

Rockets and pressure

Summary: 
Shoot off rockets powered by gas pressure, generated by various means.
Science content (2016 curriculum): 
Chemistry: States of Matter, Properties of Materials (K-7)
Physics: Motion and Forces, Newton’s Laws, Gravity (K, 2, 6)
Earth/Space: Extreme Environments, Space Exploration (6)
Activities in this lesson plan: 
Mini baking soda rocket (film canister)
Rocket powered by baking soda and vinegar (demonstration)
Bottle rocket
Rocket Chemistry Molecular Modelling (liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen)
Procedure: 

Shoot off film canister rockets.
Discuss the chemistry and the gas pressure that builds up and sends it upwards.
Set off the more powerful baking soda and vinegar rocket, which uses the same mechanism.

Instead of making the gas from a chemical reaction, a chamber can be compressed to increase gas pressure: bottle rocket (very powerful - be careful).

Optional: discover chemistry that makes real rockets fly.

Notes: 

Stomp rocket can be added to this lesson plan.

Grades taught: 
Gr 4
Teacher: 
Ingrid
Site tested: 
ingridscience afterschool
Lesson plan originally developed and delivered: 

ingridscience afterschool