The Math of Missiles and Rockets

Throwing an object across the classroom is an example of a parabolic trajectory. Students will be able to experiment with a tennis ball, with paper and later on, with a constructed mini-rocket.

The results and the effects of the different sizes and shapes of the objects will be recorded. The data will be empirically analyzed using different parameter-inputs such as the angle of elevation and/or initial speed, versus the maximum height, the maximum horizontal distance and the re-entry angle as outputs.
Concepts such as aerodynamic design, air friction and efficiency will be introduced.
Lesson is adaptable for Algebra-1, Algebra-2 and Trigonometry / Precalculus.