Grades 4-6: Engineering Rockets and Rovers - Week 3

Grade: 4-6

Duration: 45 minutes

Topic: Out of This World

Overview

Students explore aerospace engineering and test how variables such as weight and launch angle affect rocket flight.

Objective

Introduce basic concepts of aerospace engineering.
Test rocket variables and record data using the scientific method.
Reflect on God’s creation and how exploring space helps humanity understand it.

Materials

Stomp rocket launchers, weights, protractors, tape, Engineering Journals, Chromebook/iPad.

Lesson Steps

1. Opening Prayer (5 minutes)

Begin with a prayer asking for guidance and wisdom in our learning and engineering journey.

Suggested Prayer:

“Dear God, thank You for the wonders of creation and for giving us the ability to explore and understand it. Help us use our knowledge to care for Your world. Amen.”

2. Introduction (10 minutes)

Discussion: Introduce students to aerospace engineering and NASA’s work with rockets and rovers.
Connection to Faith: Relate space exploration to marveling at God’s creation, drawing on Psalm 8:3-4.

3. Main Activity (25 minutes)

Activity: Students test rockets by adjusting variables like weight and launch angle, recording data in Engineering Journals.
Catholic Integration: Discuss how exploring space helps us appreciate the wonders of God’s universe.

Activity: Students write about how exploring God’s creation through space benefits humanity.
Sharing: Discuss the importance of space exploration for the common good and understanding God’s creation.

Catholic Integration

Faith Connection: Appreciating God’s creation through space exploration and applying engineering for the common good.

Assessment

Participation: Observe how well students participate in testing and recording data..
Reflection: Assess students’ understanding of their understanding of space exploration and its benefits..

Closing Prayer (2 minutes)

End the lesson with a prayer thanking God for the opportunity to learn and explore.