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Three, Two, One... SpaceX Blast Off!

In honor of the SpaceX rocket launch we'll be exploring force, gravity, and trajectory with straw rockets!

To create your rocket, first roll a 3x5 index card (or piece of paper cut to approximate size) around your straw and secure with tape. Next fold the top of the paper down and tape again. Using your second index card invite your preschooler to draw a rocket using geometric shapes and decorate. Cut your rocket out and attach to rolled paper with tape. You're now ready to prepare for blast off! Put your rocket gently on the top of your straw and blow!

Add to the fun by drawing a rainbow hopscotch "launching pad" outside with sidewalk chalk! You could blast your rocket onto different numbers and then hop and scotch to retrieve it!

Try pointing the "rocket" at different angles and blowing harder or less hard to see how the flight of the rocket changes.

Here is video of another simple way to make a straw rocket: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqSTWtsyRPo&feature=youtu.be. You can have fun launching your rocket inside or outside.

Here is some fun Space Yoga: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d85dw-AcAaU&feature=youtu.be.

Here is a fun Rocket song to go along with your activity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9dELlU8RXo.

I wonder...

I wonder statements are a great way to introduce concepts to children, stimulate their curiosity while modeling the pleasure of learning, and embrace ideas in a fun and unpressured way!

    I wonder what shapes we are using when making our rocket?
    I wonder how far your rocket will go?
    I wonder if you blow harder/softer if it will go farther?
    I wonder if you point your rocket up, how far it will go?
    I wonder if the wind affects our rocket launch?

Project Supplies

Two 3x5 index cards or paper cut to approximate size
Pencil, pen, or markers
Tape
Straw
Sidewalk chalk

Project Gallery

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