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STEM - Sandhya

The STEM Activity Plan focuses on teaching middle school students about thrust and trajectory through a hands-on project of building and launching straw rockets. The activity involves materials like paper, straws, and basic tools, with an estimated budget of ₹300–₹500 for 30 students. Key concepts covered include forces, aerodynamics, and measurement, with expected outcomes of understanding rocket propulsion and the effects of launch angles and air resistance.

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Shekar Reddy
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4 views3 pages

STEM - Sandhya

The STEM Activity Plan focuses on teaching middle school students about thrust and trajectory through a hands-on project of building and launching straw rockets. The activity involves materials like paper, straws, and basic tools, with an estimated budget of ₹300–₹500 for 30 students. Key concepts covered include forces, aerodynamics, and measurement, with expected outcomes of understanding rocket propulsion and the effects of launch angles and air resistance.

Uploaded by

Shekar Reddy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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STEM Activity Plan

Project Title
Straw Rockets – Understanding Thrust and Trajectory

Objective
To teach students how thrust, angle, and air resistance affect a rocket’s flight using a
simple, hands-on paper and straw rocket model.

Target Grade Level


Middle School (Grades 6–8)

Materials Required (Locally Sourced)


 A4 size paper (regular printing paper)
 Two types of straws: Standard drinking straws and Thick bubble tea or
milkshake straws (as the rocket body mold)
 Tape
 Scissors (one per group)
 Ruler and pencil
 Markers or crayons (for decoration)
 Protractor (1–2 per group for angle measurement)

Estimated Budget (for 30 students)


Item Approximate Cost (₹)

A4 Paper (30 sheets) 50

Straws (standard + thick/bubble tea 100


straws)
Tape 50

Scissors (shared among groups) 100

Markers/Crayons (optional for 50


decoration)

Total Estimate ₹300–₹500

Procedure (Total Time: 40–60 minutes)


1. Make the Rocket Body: Roll an A4 sheet tightly around the thicker straw( pen or
marker also can be used) to form a tube. Use tape to secure the side seam.
Carefully slide out the thick straw. Flatten one end and tape it shut (rocket’s
nose).
2. Add Fins: Cut 2–4 small triangle-shaped fins and tape them to the open end.
3. Decorate the Rocket: Personalize with markers or stickers.
4. Prepare for Launch: Insert a standard straw into the open end of the rocket.
5. Launch the Rocket: Hold the straw at the chosen angle, blow through it, and
watch it fly.
6. Experiment and Record: Use a protractor to vary launch angles (e.g., 30°, 45°,
60°). Measure distances, try different fin shapes, and record results.

STEM Concepts Covered


Subject Concepts

Science Forces (thrust, gravity, air resistance), motion,


aerodynamics

Technology & Engineering Basic model construction, testing, and redesign

Mathematics Measuring angles, distances, recording and


comparing results
NCERT Syllabus Links:

 Motion and Measurement of Distances


 Air Around Us
 Fun with Magnets (optional link if fin material affects flight)

Safety Measures & Adaptability


 No sharp tools or hazardous materials.
 Safe for indoor and outdoor use.
 Can be adapted for younger students by simplifying steps.
 Conducted in small groups for better supervision and collaboration.

Expected Outcomes
 Students will understand how thrust propels a rocket.
 Students will observe how the launch angle affects flight distance.
 Students will learn how air resistance and fin design influence stability.

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