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The “Building and Launching Water Rockets” activity is part of the FabConnectHer project, which helps young women explore creativity and technology through fun, hands-on projects in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and maths). In this lesson, students build rockets from Coca-Cola bottles and cardboard, then launch them using water and air pressure.
The activity teaches students about physics concepts like pressure and force, while also linking to space and rocket science. Students work in small groups to design, build, and decorate their rockets, then test them by launching and comparing results. Alongside science, the activity encourages creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving.
The lesson is suitable for a wide age range, from elementary to high school. By the end, students understand how water and air pressure can power a rocket, gain confidence in working with science and technology, and experience the excitement of seeing their own rockets take off into the sky.
Preparation: Launching platform, pump
Materials:
Safety rules & tips
Don’t push the pressure above 8 bar, bottles can explode!
While launching beware of the direction of the rocket flying to (buildings, cars, people), best to do on a sports field!
This activity gives students a fun and exciting way to learn about physics and space. By building and launching their own water rockets, they see how pressure and force work in real life. The hands-on process makes abstract ideas more understandable and shows that science can be playful and creative.
Working in groups helps students practise teamwork, planning, and problem-solving. They also build confidence as they watch their rockets take off, knowing they created them with simple materials. The activity encourages curiosity about space and technology, while giving students pride in their creativity and collaboration.
Students learn the basics of space, pressure, and rocket science with the help of visuals, then form small groups and receive materials to start building their rockets.
Group Formation and Material Distribution (10 minutes)
Students design, cut, and assemble their rockets by adding fins and a nose cone to a bottle, then decorate them with paints and markers.
Students prepare their rockets for launch by filling them with water, attaching them to the launch pad, and reviewing safety rules.
Students take turns launching their rockets in pairs, measure the results, and share observations while cheering on their classmates.
Students reflect on what they learned from the launches, share ideas for improvement, and then clean up and store all materials for future use.
Discussion, conclusion and Reflection (10 minutes)
Cleanup and Organizing (10 minutes)
Students are assessed on teamwork, creativity, and understanding of science, and can extend the activity by researching rockets, writing an essay, or drawing their favourite part of the project.
Assessment:
Extension Activities:
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