Rocketry: Investigate the Science and Technology of Rockets and Ballistics

Build it Yourself

by Carla Mooney, Caitlin Denham (Illustrator)

Do you ever wonder how rockets soar into space? Rocketry: Investigate the Science and Technology of Rockets and Ballistics introduces students to the fascinating world of rocketry and ballistics. Readers discover the history of rocket development, from the earliest fire arrows in China to modern-day space shuttles, as well as the main concepts of rocketry, including how rockets are launched, move through the atmosphere, and return to earth safely. Exploring the science behind rocket flight, kids learn how the forces of thrust, gravity, lift, and drag interact to determine a rocket’s path, then imagine new uses and technologies in rocketry that are being developed today and for the future.

Combining hands-on activities with physics, chemistry, and mathematics, Rocketry brings fun to learning about the world of rocket science. Entertaining illustrations and fascinating sidebars illuminate the topic and bring it to life, while Words to Know highlighted and defined within the text reinforce new vocabulary.

Projects include building a pneumatic blast rocket and launcher, determining the role of fins in rocket stability, testing a rocket recovery system, and designing a rocket model of the future. Additional materials include a glossary, and a list of current reference works, websites, and Internet resources.

Genres: Science

128 pages, Hardcover

First published August 12, 2014

About the author

Carla Mooney is an award-winning author of numerous nonfiction STEAM books for kids and teens. She hopes to spark a healthy curiosity and love of nonfiction in youth.

Reviews

[Pat]

Readers learn about the history of rocketry from Greek flying wooden pigeons and Chinese fire arrows to NASA space shuttles. 25 hands-on activities include balloon rockets, rocket-powered boats, balloon-rocket cars, string pockets, air-powered rocket launcher, straw rockets, 2 stage rocket balloon, film-canister rocket, rocket-powered skateboard, estimating altitude, rocket trajectory, parachute recovery system, and protecting payload. Supply lists are in yellow boxes while words to know are in purple. Safety tips are in bold print. Color illustrations are on every page. Use of the scientific method is encouraged and sample charts are provided.