Book 1

Book 2

Book 3

Book 4

Helper's Guide

5... 4... 3... 2... 1 (p. 4)

• This activity is a basic introduction to rocket parts.

• Background/reference information for this activity:

  • See Lesson 1: Rocket Parts for a labeled diagram.

  • Children build rockets and identify the NOSE, BODY and FINS.

Rockets Away (p.6)

• In this activity children build a milk straw rocket then teach others how to build one.  They also experiment with the fins to control flight.

• Background/reference information for this activity:

  • See Lesson 1: Rocket Parts for a labeled diagram.

  • See Lesson 2: How Rocket Fins Work for a further explanation of the purpose of fins.

  • Answer Key:

    

  • See Lesson 4: Building a Milk Straw Rocket for picture instructions of the activity.

Gnome of Your Own (p.8)

• In this activity children build a gnome rocket and go over the rules for launching it. 

• Note: The students will launch their gnome rocket in the Let's Go Launching! activity in Book 3: Reaching New Heights

• Background/reference information for this activity:

  • See Lesson 1: Rocket Parts for a labeled diagram.  Review rocket parts before assembly.

  • Gnome rockets can be purchased singly for about $5 or in packs of 12 for about $36 online or at hobby stores.

  • Be sure to follow the instructions included with the rocket kits carefully.

  • See Lesson 3: Rocketry Rules for more information on the NAR model rocket safety code.

Rippin' Rockets (p. 6)

• In this activity, students build a straw and balloon rocket.  They then experiment with the rocket's fins to try and control the rocket.

• Background/reference information for this activity:

  • Review ROLL, PITCH and YAW with students (see Glossary).

  • See Lesson 2: How Rocket Fins Work for a further explanation of the purpose of fins.

  • See Lesson 5: Building a "Rippin' Rocket" for picture instructions.

Let's Go Launching (p.10)

• In this activity, students launch the gnome rockets they put together in the Book 2: Lift Off activity, Gnome of Your Own.

• Background/reference information for this activity:

  • Ensure students have built their gnome rockets according to the instructions provided when they purchased their rockets.

  • Go over Lesson 3: Rocketry Rules with students and make sure everyone knows the safety rules.  Make sure everyone understands how dangerous it can be to not follow the safety rules.

  • Find an open area to launch the rockets.  Make sure to secure permission from the proper authorities before using this area.  This means, ask the owner and/or manager of the land you wish to use for permission and ask the local authorities which laws apply to launching rockets in your area.

  • Following the safety code, launch the rockets.

Powerful Payload (p.22)

• In this activity, students build a rocket designed to lift a payload.

• Background/reference information for this activity:

  • See Flight Lesson 4: Types of Forces in Flight for information on the forces of THRUST, WEIGHT, and LIFT.  In this situation, LIFT and THRUST are the same force.

  • See Lesson 6: Building a "Powerful Payload" for picture instructions.

The Versatile Viking (p. 6)

• In this activity, students build and launch a Viking rocket.  This activity also demonstrates how fins stabilize rocket flight

• Background/reference information for this activity:

  • See Lesson 2: How Rocket Fins Work for a further explanation of the purpose of fins.

  • Assembly:

    • See Lesson 1: Rocket Parts for a labeled diagram.  Review rocket parts before assembly.

    • Viking rockets can be purchased singly for about $5 or in packs of 12 for about $36 online or at hobby stores.

    • Be sure to follow the instructions included with the rocket kits carefully.

  • Launching:

    • Ensure students have built their gnome rockets according to the instructions provided when they purchased their rockets.

    • Go over Lesson 3: Rocketry Rules with students and make sure everyone knows the safety rules.  Make sure everyone understands how dangerous it can be to not follow the safety rules.

    • Find an open area to launch the rockets.  Make sure to secure permission from the proper authorities before using this area.  This means, ask the owner and/or manager of the land you wish to use for permission and ask the local authorities which laws apply to launching rockets in your area.

    • Following the safety code, launch the rockets.