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