The workshop
Pupils work in teams of three to design and build a rocket car.
These rocket cars are basically water rockets on wheels and teams can investigate how changing factors like mass of water carried, nozzle diameter, pressure and aerodynamics affect performance.
The session ends with a fast-paced race off to find the best car and, did we mention that everyone gets soaked?
Workshop Requirements
To run the workshop we need access to a space large enough to accommodate all of the participants for the introduction at the start of the workshop.
We will then need a space or spaces suitable for the number of participants to undertake a practical activity. For larger groups we will usually split into a number of separate classrooms for the rocket car construction.
For testing and racing we will need access to a large outdoor space with a smooth, flat floor. Tennis courts or tarmac playgrounds are ideal.
This workshop will also require access to water and participants will get wet!
Workshop Format
The session starts with an introduction to the science behind the workshop. This may include demonstrations of some small alcohol-fuelled rockets and the Wonderstruck Hoverchair if you haven’t already had our Rocket Show as a starter activity.
Teams then build their own rockets and, once complete, take them outside for testing and improving.
Once that’s all done it’s time to race!