Making a rocket activities:
Trigger: Poem ‘Im Building a Rocket’ by Kenn Nesbitt
Wondering: Recalling some facts about known planets and recording them on the board. Wondering what life would be like on these planets. Wondering what life would be like as an astronaut. Playing the recording of Apollo 11 moonwalk.(Incredible to listen to and watch!!) Wondering how the astronauts felt, what were they wearing, life in the rocket.
Use Milo and Marvins cartoon strip on balloon rockets. Discuss the steps taken to create the balloon rocket. Divide the children into groups of no more than 4. Distribute the equipment needed for the experiment. Discuss did it work, what could we do different and with what outcome.
Put Marvin and Milo’s alka seltzer rocket comic strip on the board. Discuss the steps taken . Again return to groups and distribute equipment. Teacher will add water to the container. Ensure children remain at a good distance from the container. Follow the same steps above for assessment of rockets.
Conclusion: Integrate with Art- Design & decorate your own rocket. Watch/listen to Buzz Aldrin tell the story of the first moon landing while designing rocket.