Rockets in Junior Infants
I would begin the lesson by reading the story Whatever Next by Jill Murphy. An inquisitive little bear asks “Can I go to the moon”. He makes his own rocket with things he finds around the house, together with his imagination he has an enjoyable trip to the moon.
Focus discussion on energy and forces. Explore through informal activity with toys, forces such as pushing and pulling.
Ask the question how do rockets work? Discuss the appearance of a rocket as it takes off, refer to pictures from the book. The hot burning gases rushing out the back of the rockets push them forwards. Will we launch our own rockets?
Demonstrate with a balloon – The air coming out of the back of the balloon pushes the balloon forward.
Blow up a long shaped balloon and let it go. Notice what happens. (The balloon will travel off in random fashion as the air rushes out the back of it.) Now control the path of the balloon by connecting it to a piece of string. Release the balloon ……. Launch your rocket!
This activity allows for cross curricular linkage – Art – making rockets. Maths – measures – distance of rockets – Whose rocket travelled the furthest? Caring for my locality & environmental awareness.