How Do Rockets Work?

1. - The Science of Rockets How Do Rockets Work? • A rocket moves forward when gases shooting out the back of the rocket push it in the opposite direction.

2. - The Science of Rockets Rocket Altitude • 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.

3. Altitude and time, meters and seconds Reading Graphs: What two variables are being graphed? In what units is each variable measured? - The Science of Rockets Rocket Altitude

4. About 65 meters; about 128 meters Reading Graphs: What was the rocket’s altitude after 2 seconds? After 4 seconds? - The Science of Rockets Rocket Altitude

5. 6 seconds Reading Graphs: At what time did the rocket reach its greatest altitude? - The Science of Rockets Rocket Altitude

6. 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. Inferring: Why do you think the rocket continued to rise after it ran out of fuel? - The Science of Rockets Rocket Altitude

7. - The Science of Rockets A Multistage Rocket • 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.

8. - The Science of Rockets Using Prior Knowledge • 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.

9. - The Science of Rockets Rockets • Click the Video button to watch a movie about rockets.

10. Question Answer - The Space Program Asking Questions • 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. The rivalry in the exploration of space between the United States and the former Soviet Union What was the “space race”? Which country placed a person in orbit first? The Soviet Union When did people first walk on the moon? 1969

11. - Exploring Space Today The Space Shuttle • 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.

12. - Exploring Space Today Outlining 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

13. - 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 programhas 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.

14. 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