This hands-on Forces & Motion STEM Engineering Unit challenges students to design, build, test, and improve balloon rockets while exploring the concepts of thrust, launch angle, and stability!

Through three engaging engineering challenges, students investigate how forces affect motion while practicing critical STEM skills like data collection, problem-solving, collaboration, and engineering design.

Perfect for upper elementary and middle school STEM classrooms, this ready-to-teach bundle includes teaching slides, student worksheets, lesson plans, assessments, and bonus materials to support the entire unit from start to finish.

🚀 What’s Included

• Teacher Guide & Lesson Plans
• Student Design Briefs
• Engineer’s Log / Data Collection Worksheets
• Presentation Slides including real-world tie-ins
• Reflection & Discussion Questions
• Final Design Challenge
• Unit Assessment
• Grading Rubric

Students Will Explore

✅ How thrust affects rocket movement and distance

✅ How launch angle changes trajectory and performance

✅ How fins improve rocket stability and control

✅ How engineers test, analyze, and improve designs

✅ Real-world aerospace engineering connections

✅ Data collection, reflection, and scientific reasoning

⭐ Why Teachers Love It

• Low-prep setup using simple classroom materials
• Highly engaging hands-on STEM activity
• Encourages teamwork and discussion
• Supports engineering and science practices
• Clear step-by-step structure for easy implementation
• Professionally designed student pages and slides

Materials

• Balloons
• String
• Straws
• Tape
• Ruler
• Cardboard or heavy paper for fins
• Chairs or classroom supports

Standards Alignment

This resource aligns with:

NGSS MS-PS2-2

NGSS MS-ETS1-1

NGSS MS-ETS1-2

NGSS MS-ETS1-3

Perfect For:

• STEM Labs
• Science Centers
• Engineering Challenges
• Forces & Motion Units
• NGSS-Aligned Science Lessons
• Grades 5-8 Classrooms
• Homeschool STEM