Nothing gets students involved in science and mathematics like hands on experiments. And what could be better than building your own rockets? While rocketry congers up images of dangerous chemicals and impossible insurance requirements, your students can explore rocketry with nothing more than water and compressed air.

Pat Hayhurst, a H.S. Instructor, describes how he creates Bottle Rockets using 2-liter soda bottles, compressed air and water, and includes a lesson plan! [Our webmaster agrees that soda bottle rockets are great fun.] Lancaster High School sponsored a bottle rocket RocketFest, with contests like "Land The Egg" and "Longest Field Goal By A Rocket".

For those looking for rockets with a little more punch, Estes -- the model rocket company -- has a site for educators with curriculum, local legal requirements, and more information on model rocketry. Before the launch check the safety requirements with your local Fire Department!

Students who express an interest in rocketry can check out FlyRockets.com for lots of information and clubs in their area.

Another approach is to look at a specific part of space flight. In the Earth-to-Orbit Design Challenge, middle school students were presented with a real-life problem faced by NASA engineers: construct a heat shield that will protect a spacecraft from re-entry temperatures as it returns to Earth. Using simple items purchased at the local hardware, students become immersed in a rewarding process fueled by their original thoughts and critical reflection.

Mr. Hayhurst's Quick and Easy Bottle Rocket

http://www.lnhs.org/hayhurst/rockets/

Estes Educator - Guide for Teachers

http://www2.estesrockets.com/cgi-bin/WEDU100P.pgm

Fly Rockets!

http://www.flyrockets.com/index.asp

National Association of Rocketry

http://www.nar.org

Earth-to-Orbit Design Challenge

http://www.terc.edu/newsroom/683.html