This is a great LAB to provide hands-on, self-directed, authentic learning about Force and Motion with Force Diagrams of their Balloon ROCKET and Calculating SPEED, both of the Individual Races for each amount the balloon is blown up(1/4,1/2,3/4,4/4) and the Average SPEED of all 5 Trials for each of the FOUR RACES. Students can make and RACE their balloon rockets Individually, in Partners, or in Science TEAMs (I use TEAMs for this LAB) and collect DATA as to whether the amount of air filling the balloon causes changes in that balloon rockets SPEED. Questions throughout have students think through the FORCEs present and resulting MOTION by drawing Force Diagrams and answering guiding questions. My intro mentions Newton's 3rd LAW, so even if they are not studying it, it is presented and discussed to easily apply. As the students collect DATA, they practice Calculating SPEED using the formula. Then, after each SET of Races, they will Calculate AVERAGE SPEED with the formula. All DATA SETs are compared and contrasted by graphing (I included pre-formatted graphs, 2 to choose from) and with my high-order, rigorous Conclusion questions. They are even asked to apply what they have learned to the construction of real Rockets to the International Space Station (or the Moon or Mars) by NASA or SpaceX, and how the difference of heavier rocket fuel than their "air" fuel, might apply.

Students will be so enthralled in their experiment that they won't notice all that calculation practice with the SPEED formulas! My kids always have great fun and love this LAB! (and secretly I know they're practicing calculating Speed, drawing and analyzing Force Diagrams, and using the Vocabulary authentically!)

I have included several FREE items with your purchase-- including my Grading RUBRIC, and notes on how it can make your classroom PAPERLESS! I included a STATION from my Science Review Revolution: Force Motion SPEED Graphs SET with the Force Diagram CARDs, Directions, and my Student MiniBook. I also am including a Sample of my Redo and Reflect Calculating SPEED--10 days to Mastery! SET. I hope I can help you ROCK the Science in your CLASSROOM! Please let me know if there is anything I can help you with!
Sincerely,
Jana--Science Rocks with Smalley!
P.S. If you ever have an issue with a product, please send a comment/question to me with your email-- so I can send the "fix" or whatever you need-- directly to you and some FREE products for your trouble! I wish I were perfect, but alas I've had 3 things I messed up on over the past 3 years, and I was MORTIFIED--so I'm trying to train my rescued Doggie and Kitties to be my editors, but it's not working very well:) I will always aim to get back with you THAT DAY, so just let me know ---anything. Thanks in advance! Jana