Reach for the Stars

Silver level

Published on 8/17/2012

Learning objectives

  • To work on a global team to build a water rocket with recycled materials that will have the longest elapsed flight time.
  • To Interpret research and generate and test hypotheses to improve upon design.
  • To analyze rocket design, launch data, and peer recommendations to construct a final design and complete a video presentation of results.
Created for

Ages 11 - 13

Subject

Physics

Technology/ICT

Twenty-first century skills

21st Century Skills

Collaboration

Communication

Knowledge building & critical thinking

Global awareness & civic literacy

Problem solving & innovation (creativity)

Student self-assessment

Required hardware

PC

Instructional approach

Project based learning (PBL)

Learning activity details

Reach for the Stars is a Project Based Learning experience in which learners collaborate to design and construct a water bottle rocket that will have the longest elapsed flight time after careful design, testing, and feedback from peers. Over 200 students from five different schools on three different continents participated in the Reach for the Stars learning activity. Global teams consisted of learners from each participating school. The students shared design, construction, and flight information with their virtual team using Microsoft OneNote, Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Windows Live Movie Maker. Learners offered design and construction recommendations so their fellow teammates could improve their overall flight time. Flight Data was recorded using Microsoft Excel. Through the utilization of OneNote and Edline each learner team contributed in a discussion by reflecting on their individual flight information as well as providing constructive feedback to their team. This project required learners to generate and test hypotheses, interpret research, analyze rocket design and launch data, synthesize recommendations from partner schools, and evaluate design principles. But most of all, learners became a vital part of a global collaborative team to achieve academic success!

Supporting resources

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