The Basics
| User Guide | Pitsco AquaPort Rocket Launcher User Guide |
| Teacher’s Guide | Water Rockets Teacher's Guide Download (requires filling out info form) |
| Assembly Tips | AquaPort II Water Rocket Launcher – Assembly Tips |
Lesson Ideas
| Engineering and Technology | Water Bottle Rockets - Activity | TeachEngineering (Middle School) |
| Engineering and Technology | Bottle Rockets | NASA (Grades 5–8) |
| Engineering and Technology | Water Rocket Launch | Try Engineering (Grades 3–12) |
Standards Connections
These resources can be used to support standards-based teaching and learning. They are not intended to meet the full scope of any given standard. Only some standards are highlighted; many more standards may be connected! We encourage you to explore and to let us know if you have any questions!
| 3-PS2-1. Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object. |
| 3-5-ETS1-1. Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost. |
| 3-5-ETS1-2. Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. |
| 3-5-ETS1-3. Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved. |
| MS-PS2-1. Apply Newton’s Third Law to design a solution to a problem involving the motion of two colliding objects. |
| MS-PS2-2. Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object’s motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object. |
| MS-ETS1-1. Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions. |
| MS-ETS1-2. Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. |
| MS-ETS1-3. Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success. |
| HS-PS2-1. Analyze data to support the claim that Newton’s second law of motion describes the mathematical relationship among the net force on a macroscopic object, its mass, and its acceleration. |
| HS-PS2-3. Apply scientific and engineering ideas to design, evaluate, and refine a device that minimizes the force on a macroscopic object during a collision. |
Related SPA Tool/Kits
| Straw Rocket Launcher |
| Mini Straw Rocket Launcher |
