The Rocket Project
Project Description
During the second semester of 10th grade math, our class learned about organizing data and graph calculations through building rockets and measuring the launch height. We worked in groups of two. First, we built background knowledge on calculating numbers and data. I researched rocket construction as well in order to prepare for the project. I spent a week building and refining my rocket to prepare for the exhibition where each group launched their rocket. My first step was brainstorming and researching my rocket design. Then, I got to work on building. I gathered and created my materials, I used a laser cutter to create the rocket fins. The rest of the materials were recycled items that I collected. Next, I pieced everything together and used epoxy to attach each bottle together and create a triple bottle chamber. Then I pressure tested it by placing it on the rocket mount and pumped air pressure into it. Our goal was to achieve 60 PSI, however it blew up around 50 PSI. After it blew up, I had to quickly reassemble and rebuild my rocket from scratch, using some of the old materials. I was able to complete my rocket in time for exhibition. When I launched my rocket at exhibition, It went 105 feet up, which was a great achievement for me. However, the parachute did not fully catch the wind, which was a small setback, however everything still worked as intended.
The math content that we used in this project was mostly quadratic equations. In the unit, we solved quadratics by factoring, completing the square, and using the quadratic formula. I found the total time for my rocket by using the quadratic formula, since the equation for time vs.. height was a quadratic equation. We also used trigonometry to find the height of the rocket since we already know the adjacent side and measured the angle.
During the second semester of 10th grade math, our class learned about organizing data and graph calculations through building rockets and measuring the launch height. We worked in groups of two. First, we built background knowledge on calculating numbers and data. I researched rocket construction as well in order to prepare for the project. I spent a week building and refining my rocket to prepare for the exhibition where each group launched their rocket. My first step was brainstorming and researching my rocket design. Then, I got to work on building. I gathered and created my materials, I used a laser cutter to create the rocket fins. The rest of the materials were recycled items that I collected. Next, I pieced everything together and used epoxy to attach each bottle together and create a triple bottle chamber. Then I pressure tested it by placing it on the rocket mount and pumped air pressure into it. Our goal was to achieve 60 PSI, however it blew up around 50 PSI. After it blew up, I had to quickly reassemble and rebuild my rocket from scratch, using some of the old materials. I was able to complete my rocket in time for exhibition. When I launched my rocket at exhibition, It went 105 feet up, which was a great achievement for me. However, the parachute did not fully catch the wind, which was a small setback, however everything still worked as intended.
The math content that we used in this project was mostly quadratic equations. In the unit, we solved quadratics by factoring, completing the square, and using the quadratic formula. I found the total time for my rocket by using the quadratic formula, since the equation for time vs.. height was a quadratic equation. We also used trigonometry to find the height of the rocket since we already know the adjacent side and measured the angle.
Project reflection
The work that I am most proud of in this project is my rocket. I created a unique design that was highly refined and functioned well. I also spent a lot of time on building the rocket itself, I came to school everyday to complete it. I also worked at home, which gave me time to refine my design. I was also able to persevere during a tough time when my rocket blew up the day of the exhibition. I was able to rebuild it in time and have a successful outcome.
If I were to complete this project again, I would spend more time working on the epoxy seal, which was what maintained the air pressure in my rocket. Something that really stood out for me during this unit was how the specific rocket design effects the launching results, and how the launching device uses water and air pressure to function. Overall, I really enjoyed this project, and I learned a lot.
I grew as a student because I had to persevere and redo my rocket design. I learned about the launching process and building bottle rockets. More specifically I learned about the function of the pressure chamber, and the physics behind the thrust during launching.
The work that I am most proud of in this project is my rocket. I created a unique design that was highly refined and functioned well. I also spent a lot of time on building the rocket itself, I came to school everyday to complete it. I also worked at home, which gave me time to refine my design. I was also able to persevere during a tough time when my rocket blew up the day of the exhibition. I was able to rebuild it in time and have a successful outcome.
If I were to complete this project again, I would spend more time working on the epoxy seal, which was what maintained the air pressure in my rocket. Something that really stood out for me during this unit was how the specific rocket design effects the launching results, and how the launching device uses water and air pressure to function. Overall, I really enjoyed this project, and I learned a lot.
I grew as a student because I had to persevere and redo my rocket design. I learned about the launching process and building bottle rockets. More specifically I learned about the function of the pressure chamber, and the physics behind the thrust during launching.
Statistics
At maximum height, my rocket was moving at 0 mps. My initial velocity was 73.6. My overall formula is h(t)=1.33+73.6t-16t^2. The total time in the air of my rocket was 4.62. The time difference between my theoretical flight time and actual flight time was 0.04696
At maximum height, my rocket was moving at 0 mps. My initial velocity was 73.6. My overall formula is h(t)=1.33+73.6t-16t^2. The total time in the air of my rocket was 4.62. The time difference between my theoretical flight time and actual flight time was 0.04696