National Aeronautics and Space Administration
rockets
Educator Guide
www.nasa.gov 1
,rocket
U
Pronunciation: \rä-kət\ noun (It rocchetta) S
A
A vehicle, typically cylindrical, containing liquid or solid
propellants which produce hot gases or ions that are ejected
rearward through a nozzle and, in doing so,U creates an
N
action force accompanied by an opposite and I equal reaction
T
force driving the vehicle forward. Because E rockets are self-
D
contained, they are able to operate in outer space.
S
T
A
T
E
S
DIS
COV
ERY
2
,National Aeronautics and Space Administration
ROCKETS
Educator’s Guide with Activities in
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
This publication is in the Public Domain and is not protected by copyright.
Permission is not required for duplication.
EG-2008-05-060-KSC
3
, Acknowledgements
The original Rockets Teacher Guide was Special Thanks To:
published by NASA’s Education Division in the NASA Headquarters
mid-1990s. It has found widespread use in Jerry G. Hartman
both formal and informal educational settings Merrill King, Ph.D.
because of the exciting nature of the topic and Allota Taylor
because of its dynamic classroom activities Carla Rosenberg
that match and support both national and state
education standards for science, mathematics, Special appreciation is extended
and technology. to NASA's Exploration Systems
Mission Direcorate and Space
This revision of the guide, by the original Operations Mission Directorate
authors, updates educators on NASA’s 21st for their generosity and
Century Space Exploration Policy and the commitment to the continuation
vehicles that will make this vision possible. of this educational project.
It builds on classroom experience with the
original guide and presents a suite of improved NASA Kennedy Space Center
and new activities that prepare students for the Gregg Buckingham, Ed.D.
future of space exploration. Lesley Garner, Ph.D.
Sharon Fegan
Many educators and scientists have James Suderman
contributed ideas and content directly and
indirectly to this revision. Their assistance is Marshall Space Flight Center
gratefully appreciated. Robert Armstrong
Twila Schneider
Authors: Pennsylvania State University
Deborah A. Shearer James Gerard
Principal, College Park Elementary Les Gold
LaPorte, Texas
Dynamac Corporation
Gregory L. Vogt, Ed.D. Michael Martin
Educational consultant Valerie Jones
Editor:
Maury Solomon
i
rockets
Educator Guide
www.nasa.gov 1
,rocket
U
Pronunciation: \rä-kət\ noun (It rocchetta) S
A
A vehicle, typically cylindrical, containing liquid or solid
propellants which produce hot gases or ions that are ejected
rearward through a nozzle and, in doing so,U creates an
N
action force accompanied by an opposite and I equal reaction
T
force driving the vehicle forward. Because E rockets are self-
D
contained, they are able to operate in outer space.
S
T
A
T
E
S
DIS
COV
ERY
2
,National Aeronautics and Space Administration
ROCKETS
Educator’s Guide with Activities in
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
This publication is in the Public Domain and is not protected by copyright.
Permission is not required for duplication.
EG-2008-05-060-KSC
3
, Acknowledgements
The original Rockets Teacher Guide was Special Thanks To:
published by NASA’s Education Division in the NASA Headquarters
mid-1990s. It has found widespread use in Jerry G. Hartman
both formal and informal educational settings Merrill King, Ph.D.
because of the exciting nature of the topic and Allota Taylor
because of its dynamic classroom activities Carla Rosenberg
that match and support both national and state
education standards for science, mathematics, Special appreciation is extended
and technology. to NASA's Exploration Systems
Mission Direcorate and Space
This revision of the guide, by the original Operations Mission Directorate
authors, updates educators on NASA’s 21st for their generosity and
Century Space Exploration Policy and the commitment to the continuation
vehicles that will make this vision possible. of this educational project.
It builds on classroom experience with the
original guide and presents a suite of improved NASA Kennedy Space Center
and new activities that prepare students for the Gregg Buckingham, Ed.D.
future of space exploration. Lesley Garner, Ph.D.
Sharon Fegan
Many educators and scientists have James Suderman
contributed ideas and content directly and
indirectly to this revision. Their assistance is Marshall Space Flight Center
gratefully appreciated. Robert Armstrong
Twila Schneider
Authors: Pennsylvania State University
Deborah A. Shearer James Gerard
Principal, College Park Elementary Les Gold
LaPorte, Texas
Dynamac Corporation
Gregory L. Vogt, Ed.D. Michael Martin
Educational consultant Valerie Jones
Editor:
Maury Solomon
i
