In this experiment, students build a balloon-powered rocket to explore Newton’s Laws of Motion, particularly Newton’s Third and Second Laws.
In Test 1, a balloon taped to a straw on a string is released, propelling itself forward as air rushes out the back—demonstrating that every action (air pushed out) has an equal and opposite reaction (balloon moves forward).
In Test 2, small objects are added to increase the rocket’s mass, and students observe how this extra weight affects its acceleration. By comparing both tests and analyzing real-world data, students gain insight into how force, mass, and acceleration interact in rocket motion.
Students will engage in a STEM challenge to design a truck powered by a chemical reaction that will have to stop within a specific drop-off zone. Teams will be challenged with various payloads to earn bonus points if they can stop in the drop-off zone.
Students will engage in a STEM challenge to design a catapult that can land on two different targets. In this design challenge, students will explore forces and motion in the operation of the simple machine known as a lever
