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By Gray Rollins
Building and flying model rockets can be a great way for
students of any age to learn a bit about the basic rules of
physics. Although model rockets may look more like toys than
like educational tools, during the process of building and
launching a model rocket any enthusiast is bound to pick up
quite a bit of knowledge about the forces that govern physical
motion. Even if your child is anything but an honor roll
student, after spending a fun weekend together constructing
your own model rockets your son or daughter will be able to
confidently explain important scientific concepts like weight
and thrust. These topics make up the backbone of the study of
aerodynamics.
When flying a model rocket, you will be able to observe
Newtonian physics in action. The basic laws of motion are on
display for anyone watching a model rocket in the air to see.
Learning about inertia, acceleration, and friction are key
parts of building a rocket that will succeed off of the
ground.
This fact can help spark your child’s interest in science.
Sometimes, taking learning out of the classroom can help a
student gain mastery in a subject matter that they are not
fully absorbing within the school setting. Often, a child
whose
learning style clashes with that of his or her teacher will
feel
a subject is too difficult for them, and this is especially
true
in the sciences which can be very intimidating for students.
By
taking physics into your own backyard, you can encourage your
child to approach science in a fun way that will help them
build confidence.
Your son or daughter may not even be aware that when they are
measuring the dimensions of their model rocket during the
planning phase before they begin to build, that they are
dealing with the same scientific principles that can feel
beyond their grasp in a classroom setting. By giving your
child
a chance to absorb this kind of information outside of the
pressures of the school room, you may be sowing the seeds for
an enduring interest in the subject matter. The key to letting
this kind of educational experience unfold is not to pressure
your child along the way.
Have reference books on hand in case questions about topics
like inertia and acceleration come up, but don’t force your
child to consider these issues unless they become relevant.
Strive to create a playful and relaxed atmosphere that will
make your son or daughter comfortable enough to indulge his or
her natural curiosity about how and why the rocket works. In
this way, you can ease your child into learning the
fundamentals of physics.
About The Author: Gray Rollins is a featured writer for
BuildModelRockets. To learn more about model rockets, visit us
at www.buildmodelrockets.com/ and
www.buildmodelrockets.com/buildingmodelrocket/
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