Exploring Space
How Do Rockets Work?
- The Science of Rockets
A rocket moves forward when gases shooting out the back of the rocket push it in the opposite direction.
Exploring Space
Rocket Altitude
A rocket’s altitude is how high it is above the ground. Use the graph to answer the following questions about how a model rocket’s altitude changes over time.
- The Science of Rockets
Exploring Space
Rocket Altitude
Altitude and time, meters and seconds
Reading Graphs:
What two variables are being graphed? In what units is each variable measured?
- The Science of Rockets
Exploring Space
Rocket Altitude
About 65 meters; about 128 meters
Reading Graphs:
What was the rocket’s altitude after 2 seconds? After 4 seconds?
- The Science of Rockets
Exploring Space
Rocket Altitude
6 seconds
Reading Graphs:
At what time did the rocket reach its greatest altitude?
- The Science of Rockets
Exploring Space
Rocket Altitude
The rocket’s inertia caused it to continue to rise after its fuel ran out. Eventually friction caused the rocket to slow down and gravity caused it to fall.
Inferring:
Why do you think the rocket continued to rise after it ran out of fuel?
- The Science of Rockets
Exploring Space - The Science of Rockets
A Multistage Rocket
A typical multistage rocket has three stages. Each of the first two stages burns all of its fuel and then drops off. The next stage then takes over.
Exploring Space
What You Know
What You Learned
Using Prior KnowledgeBefore you read, write what you know about rockets in a graphic organizer like the one below. As you read, write what you learn.
1. Rockets were used to help transport astronauts to the moon.2. Rockets burn fuel.3. Rockets must move at high speed to escape the force of gravity.
1. The first rockets were made in China in the 1100s.2. Burning fuel creates thrust–the reaction force that propels a rocket
forward.3. The escape velocity a rocket needs to leave Earth’s gravitational pull is
about 40,200 kilometers per hour.
- The Science of Rockets
Exploring Space
Rockets
Click the Video button to watch a movie about rockets.
- The Science of Rockets
Exploring Space
Question Answer
Asking QuestionsBefore you read, preview the red headings. In a graphic organizer like the one below, ask a question for each heading. As you read, write answers to your questions.
What was the “space race”? The rivalry in the exploration of space between the United States and the former Soviet Union
Which country placed a person in orbit first?
The Soviet Union
When did people first walk on the moon?
1969
- The Space Program
Exploring Space
The Space Shuttle
- Exploring Space Today
NASA has used space shuttles to perform many important tasks. These include taking satellites into orbit, repairing damaged satellites, and carrying astronauts and equipment to and from space stations.
Exploring Space
OutliningAs you read, make an outline about exploring space. Use the red headings for the main topics and the blue headings for the subtopics.
Exploring Earth Today
I. Working in SpaceA. Space ShuttlesB. Space Stations
II. Space ProbesA. How Do Probes Work?B. Exploring With Space
Probes
- Exploring Space Today
Exploring Space
Main Idea
Detail Detail Detail
Identifying Main IdeasAs you read the section “Space Spinoffs,” write the main idea in a graphic organizer like the one below. Then write three supporting details that further explain the main idea.
The space program has produced many spinoffs in areas such as…
Medical Science–technology of the space programhas led to lasers that can clean clogged arteries.
Materials–fire-resistant material developed for spacesuits is used in fireproof clothing.
Consumer Products–cordless power tools were first developed for astronauts.
- Using Space Science on Earth
Exploring Space
Graphic Organizer
Astronaut
Vostok 1
Year Spacecraft Accomplishment
Yuri Gagarin 1961First human in space
Alan Shepard Freedom 7
Friendship 7
Neil ArmstrongFirst human to walk on the moon
1962
1961First American in space
John GlennFirst American to orbit Earth
1969 Apollo 11 or Eagle
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