Newton's Laws get the rocket to work, but do they serve any other functions? A six-page resource classifies rockets by the type of propellant they use. It then describes applications of Newton's Laws of Motion, both in the ability to produce thrust and the needed forces to control the rocket's flight. The article finishes with a short look into potential types of rockets for future space travel.

Concepts

rockets, newton's laws of motion, newton's first law of motion, newton's second law of motion, newton's third law of motion, technology resources

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Instructional Ideas

• Have teams research suggested propulsion systems and report back to the class
• Research historical rockets and have the class calculate the mass fraction for each

Classroom Considerations

• There is a lot of reading

Pros

• Identifies Newton's Laws while explaining their application, increasing pupils' understanding
• Diagrams help with the visualization of some of the concepts

Cons