Carolina STEM Challenge®: Chemical Reaction Rockets

Students apply their knowledge of chemical reactions to solve the engineering problem, “What is the best way to modify a chemical reaction to maximize the altitude of a rocket?” Teams complete a prototype activity during which they observe the effects of chemical changes in a chemical system. Next, they create a simple rocket to explore the energy transformations that propel the rocket into the air. During the design challenge, teams brainstorm ways to modify the reaction and the design of the rocket tube to maximize altitude. The activity concludes with a classroom competition of the engineered rockets.

Time Requirement
Total, 285 minutes. Teacher prep, 30 minutes. Prototyping and the design challenge, 150 minutes. Design challenge presentation and assessment, 105 minutes.

Digital Resources
Includes 1-year access to digital resources that support 3-dimensional instruction for NGSS. Digital resources may include a teacher manual and student guide, pre-lab activities and setup videos, phenomenon videos, simulations, and post-lab analysis and assessments.

Performance Expectation(s)
HS-PS1-6
HS-PS3-3

Crosscutting Concepts
Systems and System Models

Disciplinary Core Ideas
PS1.B: Chemical Reactions

Science and Engineering Practices
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Learning Objectives

• Describe the components of a chemical system.
• Optimize the design of a chemical system.
• Explore how changes to one aspect of a chemical system affect the function of that system.

Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills
Prior knowledge of chemical reactions, specifically changes in concentration, amount, pressure or temperature of reactants, can be useful.