STEM Rockets Narrative

Learner: Melissa, Joely and Nanami      Learning Coach: Mr Hattie           Date: 1 November 2016

Learning Area: Learning Habitat 1 - iExplore STEM

Learning Observed

This week Melissa, Joely and Nanami got an opportunity to participate in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activity. Melissa, Joely and Nanami went with Mr Davidson and Mr Hattie to explore how to make rockets fly using chemical reactions. Melissa, Joely and Nanami had three different types of rocket fuel to choose from and they had to make their Rocket - film canister - fly into the air. To make it work you have to mix the rocket fuel and powder together and trap it inside the rocket. The chemical reaction forces the lid to fly off and when the rocket is placed on the launch pad, lid down, it force the rocket into the air. Melissa, Joely and Nanami started off a bit “standoffish” but once they saw the rocket launch into the air instantly they were discussing how it happened and what they did to make it fly. They started experimenting with how much to put in.

Evidence of learning

Melissa, Joely and Nanami discussing and watching their rockets fly

Next Learning Steps

Melissa, Joely and Nanami  next learning steps are: Write a reflection about what they learnt. Further explore the science behind the chemical reaction. Write instructions on the blog about how to make a rocket fly.