1. Table of Contents The Science of Rockets The Space Program
Exploring Space Today
Using Space Science on Earth

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. Rocket Altitude - The Science of Rockets Reading Graphs:
At what time did the rocket reach its greatest altitude?
6 seconds

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. End of Section: The Science of Rockets

14. 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

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. End of Section: The Space Program

18. 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.

19. 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

20. Links on Space Exploration
- Exploring Space Today
Links on Space Exploration
Click the SciLinks button for links on space exploration.

21. End of Section: Exploring Space Today

22. 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.

23. Links on Satellite Technology
- Using Space Science on Earth
Links on Satellite Technology
Click the SciLinks button for links on satellite technology.

24. End of Section: Using Space Science on Earth

25. 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

26. End of Section: Graphic Organizer