Blast+Off

You have been hired as a rocket scientist for NASA. Your job is to design a rocket that will have a controlled flight while carrying a payload. Keep in mind that Newton’s laws will have a powerful influence on your rocket.

MATERIALS • balloon, long, thin • cup, paper, small • fishing line, 3 m • meterstick • pencil

PROCEDURE 1. When you begin your experiment, your teacher will tape one end of the fishing line to the ceiling. 2. Use a pencil to poke a small hole in each side of the cup near the top. Place a 15 cm piece of string through each hole, and tape down the ends inside. 3. Inflate the balloon, and use the twist tie to hold it closed. 4. Tape the free ends of the strings to the sides of the balloon near the bottom. The cup should hang below the balloon. Your model rocket should look like a hot-air balloon. 5. Thread the fishing line that is hanging from the ceiling through the straw. Tape the balloon securely to the straw. Tape the loose end of the fishing line to the floor. 6. Untie the twist tie while holding the end of the balloon closed. When you are ready, release the end of the balloon. Mark and record the maximum height of the rocket. 7. Repeat the procedure, adding a penny to the cup each time until your rocket cannot lift any more pennies.

1. In a paragraph, describe how all three of Newton’s laws influenced the flight of your rocket.