Day 4: Precision Testing
STEP 1: Before you begin testing your rocket for precision launches, take a moment to watch the videos below. They will help you understand the vast distances and sizes of the planets and the Moon from Earth. These distances affect not just how we plan rocket launches, but also how we communicate with spacecraft and, eventually, how people might travel through space.
STEP 2: MARS LAUNCH! Your first competition is a mission to Mars! Your teacher will place a hula hoop at a realistic distance from the launch pad to represent Mars. Your goal is to launch your rocket as close as possible to the hoop—landing inside it is even better. You’ll get a few practice launches to adjust your rocket and test your aim. Then the competition begins! Each group will get three official launches, and the best one counts. The rocket that lands closest to (or inside) the hoop wins. Use everything you’ve learned so far—launch angle, stomp force, and rocket design—to guide your rocket to Mars.
STEP 3: MOON LAUNCH! Your next competition is a mission to the Moon! This time, your teacher will place the hula hoop much closer than before—but still far enough that you’ll need to think carefully about your launch angle and stomp force. Don’t assume it will be easier just because the Moon is closer. You’ll need to adjust your angle and force with precision. Just like before, you’ll get a few practice launches and then three official attempts. The closest rocket to the hoop—or one that lands inside—wins. Use what you’ve learned and reflect on how launching to the Moon still requires careful planning, even at a shorter distance.
STEP 4: Great work! No matter how your rocket performed in the competition, you learned a lot about rocket science and completed your engineering mission. Now, gather with your team—and of course, your rocket—and take a group photo. Ask someone nearby to take the picture for you so you can capture the moment together. Upload your picture using the QR code below. In the “Subject” area, include your first name and/or your team members’ names. Click here to see all uploaded summaries.
