Table of Contents The Science of Rockets The Space Program Exploring Space Today Using Space Science on Earth
How Do Rockets Work? - The Science of Rockets A rocket moves forward when gases shooting out the back of the rocket push it in the opposite direction.
Rocket Altitude - The Science of Rockets A rocket’s altitude is how high it is above the ground. Use the graph to answer the following questions about how a model rocket’s altitude changes over time.
Rocket Altitude - The Science of Rockets Reading Graphs: What two variables are being graphed? In what units is each variable measured? Altitude and time, meters and seconds
Rocket Altitude - The Science of Rockets Reading Graphs: What was the rocket’s altitude after 2 seconds? After 4 seconds? About 65 meters; about 128 meters
Rocket Altitude - The Science of Rockets Reading Graphs: At what time did the rocket reach its greatest altitude? 6 seconds
Rocket Altitude - The Science of Rockets Inferring: Why do you think the rocket continued to rise after it ran out of fuel? The rocket’s inertia caused it to continue to rise after its fuel ran out. Eventually friction caused the rocket to slow down and gravity caused it to fall.
A Multistage Rocket - The Science of Rockets A typical multistage rocket has three stages. Each of the first two stages burns all of its fuel and then drops off. The next stage then takes over.
Multistage Rocket Activity - The Science of Rockets Multistage Rocket Activity Click the Active Art button to open a browser window and access Active Art about multistage rockets.
Using Prior Knowledge - The Science of Rockets Before you read, write what you know about rockets in a graphic organizer like the one below. As you read, write what you learn. What You Know Rockets were used to help transport astronauts to the moon. Rockets burn fuel. Rockets must move at high speed to escape the force of gravity. What You Learned The first rockets were made in China in the 1100s. Burning fuel creates thrust–the reaction force that propels a rocket forward. The escape velocity a rocket needs to leave Earth’s gravitational pull is about 40,200 kilometers per hour.
Click the Video button to watch a movie about rockets. - The Science of Rockets Rockets Click the Video button to watch a movie about rockets.
Data Sharing Lab - The Science of Rockets Click the PHSchool.com button for an activity about sharing data for the Technology Lab Design and Build a Water Rocket.
End of Section: The Science of Rockets
Asking Questions - The Space Program Before you read, preview the red headings. In a graphic organizer like the one below, ask a question for each heading. As you read, write answers to your questions. Question Answer What was the “space race”? The rivalry in the exploration of space between the United States and the former Soviet Union Which country placed a person in orbit first? The Soviet Union When did people first walk on the moon? 1969
Click the Video button to watch a movie about the race for space. - The Space Program The Race for Space Click the Video button to watch a movie about the race for space.
More on Missions to the Moon - The Space Program More on Missions to the Moon Click the PHSchool.com button for an activity about lunar exploration.
End of Section: The Space Program
The Space Shuttle - Exploring Space Today NASA has used space shuttles to perform many important tasks. These include taking satellites into orbit, repairing damaged satellites, and carrying astronauts and equipment to and from space stations.
Outlining - Exploring Space Today Exploring Earth Today As you read, make an outline about exploring space. Use the red headings for the main topics and the blue headings for the subtopics. Working in Space Space Shuttles Space Stations Space Probes How Do Probes Work? Exploring With Space Probes
Links on Space Exploration - Exploring Space Today Links on Space Exploration Click the SciLinks button for links on space exploration.
End of Section: Exploring Space Today
Identifying Main Ideas - Using Space Science on Earth Identifying Main Ideas As you read the section “Space Spinoffs,” write the main idea in a graphic organizer like the one below. Then write three supporting details that further explain the main idea. Main Idea The space program has produced many spinoffs in areas such as… Detail Detail Detail Medical Science– technology of the space program has led to lasers that can clean clogged arteries. Materials– fire-resistant material developed for spacesuits is used in fireproof clothing. Consumer Products– cordless power tools were first developed for astronauts.
Links on Satellite Technology - Using Space Science on Earth Links on Satellite Technology Click the SciLinks button for links on satellite technology.
End of Section: Using Space Science on Earth
Graphic Organizer Astronaut Year Spacecraft Accomplishment First human in space Yuri Gagarin 1961 Vostok 1 First American in space Alan Shepard 1961 Freedom 7 First American to orbit Earth John Glenn 1962 Friendship 7 First human to walk on the moon Neil Armstrong 1969 Apollo 11 or Eagle
End of Section: Graphic Organizer