Building A Model Rocket Can Be A Great Learning Experience

Summary: Building and flying model rockets can be a great way for students of any age to learn a bit about the basic rules of physics. Although model rockets may look more like toys than like educational tools, during the process of building and launching a model rocket any enthusiast is bound to pick up quite a bit of knowledge about the forces that govern physical motion. Even if your child is anything but an honor roll student, after spending a fun weekend together constructing you...

Building and flying model rockets can be a great way for students of any age to learn a bit about the basic rules of physics. Although model rockets may look more like toys than like educational tools, during the process of building and launching a model rocket any enthusiast is bound to pick up quite a bit of knowledge about the forces that govern physical motion. Even if your child is anything but an honor roll student, after spending a fun weekend together constructing your own model rockets your son or daughter will be able to confidently explain important scientific concepts like weight and thrust. These topics make up the backbone of the study of aerodynamics. When flying a model rocket, you will be able to observe Newtonian physics in action. The basic laws of motion are on display for anyone watching a model rocket in the air to see. Learning about inertia, acceleration, and friction are key parts of building a rocket that will succeed off of the ground. This fact can help spark your child's interest in science. Sometimes, taking learning out of the classroom can help a student gain mastery in a subject matter that they are not fully absorbing within the school setting. Often, a child whose learning style clashes with that of his or her teacher will feel a subject is too difficult for them, and this is especially true in the sciences which can be very intimidating for students. By taking physics into your own backyard, you can encourage your child to approach science in a fun way that will help them build confidence. Your son or daughter may not even be aware that when they are measuring the dimensions of their model rocket during the planning phase before they begin to build, that they are dealing with the same scientific principles that can feel beyond their grasp in a classroom setting. By giving your child a chance to absorb this kind of information outside of the pressures of the school room, you may be sowing the seeds for an enduring interest in the subject matter. The key to letting this kind of educational experience unfold is not to pressure your child along the way. Have reference books on hand in case questions about topics like inertia and acceleration come up, but don't force your child to consider these issues unless they become relevant. Strive to create a playful and relaxed atmosphere that will make your son or daughter comfortable enough to indulge his or her natural curiosity about how and why the rocket works. In this way, you can ease your child into learning the fundamentals of physics.