The Role Of Water Rocket Activities In Space Education And Possibility In Educational View
- Paper number
IAC-07-E1.1.09
- Author
Mr. Toshiaki Takemae, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)/ISAS, Japan
- Year
2007
- Abstract
A “water rocket” uses water and high pressurized air as propellant. Its body (fuel tank) is made by the plastic bottle (pet bottle), therefore it is also called the pet bottle rocket. Materials for water rockets are all familiar to us in everyday life. The flight performance depends on the skill of making the water rocket, but the range often exceeds 100 meters. The water rocket does not only stimulate the dreams of children, but also is a good material for teaching the mechanical principle of real rocket flight. Many schools in Japan are incorporating a water rocket in their curricula in science, and JAXA also is striving to propagate the water rocket technique from the standpoint of space education. This paper describes 2 types of water rockets: (1) Manufacture and launch training of water rockets in the event of ISAS Open House. One of the most attractive events for kids in ISAS Open House is “Water Rocket Class”. They challenge the water rocket under the guidance of ISAS staffs. All kids follow the same process to make the rocket, but the range changes depending upon the carefulness of the handiwork. After countdown and lift-off, they are surprised at the range much greater than their anticipation. The experience stimulates their curiosity about space flight. (2) Competition for ideas with respect to water rocket utilization. As the water rocket spreads among people, a lot of new ideas emerge. A multistage rocket, a parachute carrying type, a rocket which can take aerial photos - people hit bright ideas in various parts of Japan. An idea contest with water rockets has been held, and many groups such as families, classmates, Young Astronauts Club, laboratories of universities and colleges, etc. meet together. Now, a safe system regarding water rockets prevails among children, and they can learn the principle of rocket flight through these model rockets. Water rocket is easy to make, and the range is much greater than ordinary anticipation, it is being popularized also among children in Japan. Water rockets are not only for learning mechanics, but also have a variety of applications. Water rocket is adopted as a suitable tool to educate the principle of rocket flight, and the importance of efforts to attain the greater and greater range.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-E1.1.09.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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