Activity set – Rockets – How would you use the activity in your classroom? I would create the following lesson in my classroom:
Materials Needed:
• Toy rocket or picture of a rocket
• Balloons
• String
• Straws
• Tape
• Scissors
• Pictures or videos of rocket launches
• Crayons and paper for drawing
1. Introduction
• Greeting and Attention Grabber: “Good morning, space explorers! Who here wants to learn about rockets? Today, we’re going to learn about rockets and how they launch into space!”
2. What is a Rocket?
• Show a Toy Rocket or Picture: “This is a rocket. Rockets are special vehicles that can travel to space.”
• Discuss Basic Parts:
o Body: “This is the main part of the rocket.”
o Engine: “This part helps the rocket go up, up, up!”
o Fins: “These help the rocket stay straight when it’s flying.”
3. How Does a Rocket Launch?
• Simple Explanation:
o “Rockets use powerful engines to push them up into the sky.”
o “When the engine fires, it pushes the rocket off the ground. We call this a launch!”
• Show a Video of a Rocket Launch: youtube
4. Hands-On Activity: Balloon Rocket Experiment
• Materials: Balloons, string, straws, tape, scissors
• Setup:
1. Tape a straw to the balloon.
2. Thread a long piece of string through the straw.
3. Tie one end of the string to a chair or doorknob, and hold the other end tight.
4. Blow up the balloon (don’t tie it), and then tape it to the string.
• Launch the Balloon Rocket: Let go of the balloon and watch it zoom along the string.
• Explain: “Just like our balloon, real rockets use engines to push them up into the sky!”
5. Drawing Activity
• Design and draw our own rockets
• Allow each child to share their drawing and explain their rocket.
6. Conclusion and Review (5 minutes)
• Recap of main points and answer any questions