Looking Back:
Our Research: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K9ZQCtNMK0ajdC1cBRHPE6e7LyHyVJ-rlOT7x3XUGXE/edit?usp=sharing
Annika, Sammie and I first did a lot of research on the different parts of a rocket. We each researched separate parts and it was hard to find specific information on model rocket parts and the purpose behind them. I mainly found the purposes for real rockets or information that used very technical terms. We also didn't realize that each of us needed to know all the different aspects of a rocket and what they do so when we first told Andrew we were ready we were very unprepared. We went back and looked at each other's information and learned everything we needed to know. We decided to use the Payloader II because it had a little space to put something in. We initially wanted to put in a little lego guy but we alter decided we wanted to put a camera to film how the rocket travelled. We put everything except the camera and the engine together and our rocket was ready.
Looking Beyond:
Rocket engines have a fuel and an oxidiser, together they are called the propellant. When you launch the rocket, the propellant reacts inside the combustion chamber and it creates hot gases. The ejection of these hot gases and high speeds are what creates the thrust and moves it up. There weren't that many questions that had come up so far since we only built the rocket according to instructions. A few that came to mind were how different the rockets will fly if we changes the shape of the fins, the diameter or the shape of the body and how you could build one from scratch. I did do more research behind rockets and found the chemistry behind the engine and the purpose behind the fins and the shape of the body (aerodynamics).
Looking inward:
I thought I performed well but there were points, like when building the fins and marking the body of the rocket that weren't exact and kind of janky. The fins were hard to glue together since it came in two different parts and it was difficult to mark straight lines on the body because it was a cylinder. The fins turned out good and they stuck on well to the body thanks to the fin holder thing but about a week later, when we looked at the fins from the bottom we realized they weren't perfectly symmetrical. All these variables will probably affect the flight of the rocket but I'm sure it'll work.
Looking outward:
I worked with Sammie and Annika. I think our group performed well, we got distracted at times but we got the rocket done pretty quickly and I thought we did well. We worked together to build the rocket and it was very collaborative. I helped reading and interpreting the instructions to build the rocket. The instructions were confusing but we split the work equally and we were able to follow along. I'm not sure how it will work when we launch though.
Looking Forward:
If I could do this again, I would probably be more careful with the fins and take more time with them. When we glued them to the body we aligned it with the preset position the holder thing was in instead of following the lines exactly as we marked. Besides that I think it went well. To continue this experiment I could maybe build a rocket from scratch or make the engine but I don't think I would want to. It was a cool experience but I think building the model rocket was enough.
Take aways: So far, I learned how to work with other people to create one product, I wasn't sure how we would all work on one thing, but there were a lot of different parts we split up. I also learned a lot about rockets and the physics and chemistry that goes on behind it.
Our Research: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K9ZQCtNMK0ajdC1cBRHPE6e7LyHyVJ-rlOT7x3XUGXE/edit?usp=sharing
Annika, Sammie and I first did a lot of research on the different parts of a rocket. We each researched separate parts and it was hard to find specific information on model rocket parts and the purpose behind them. I mainly found the purposes for real rockets or information that used very technical terms. We also didn't realize that each of us needed to know all the different aspects of a rocket and what they do so when we first told Andrew we were ready we were very unprepared. We went back and looked at each other's information and learned everything we needed to know. We decided to use the Payloader II because it had a little space to put something in. We initially wanted to put in a little lego guy but we alter decided we wanted to put a camera to film how the rocket travelled. We put everything except the camera and the engine together and our rocket was ready.
Looking Beyond:
Rocket engines have a fuel and an oxidiser, together they are called the propellant. When you launch the rocket, the propellant reacts inside the combustion chamber and it creates hot gases. The ejection of these hot gases and high speeds are what creates the thrust and moves it up. There weren't that many questions that had come up so far since we only built the rocket according to instructions. A few that came to mind were how different the rockets will fly if we changes the shape of the fins, the diameter or the shape of the body and how you could build one from scratch. I did do more research behind rockets and found the chemistry behind the engine and the purpose behind the fins and the shape of the body (aerodynamics).
Looking inward:
I thought I performed well but there were points, like when building the fins and marking the body of the rocket that weren't exact and kind of janky. The fins were hard to glue together since it came in two different parts and it was difficult to mark straight lines on the body because it was a cylinder. The fins turned out good and they stuck on well to the body thanks to the fin holder thing but about a week later, when we looked at the fins from the bottom we realized they weren't perfectly symmetrical. All these variables will probably affect the flight of the rocket but I'm sure it'll work.
Looking outward:
I worked with Sammie and Annika. I think our group performed well, we got distracted at times but we got the rocket done pretty quickly and I thought we did well. We worked together to build the rocket and it was very collaborative. I helped reading and interpreting the instructions to build the rocket. The instructions were confusing but we split the work equally and we were able to follow along. I'm not sure how it will work when we launch though.
Looking Forward:
If I could do this again, I would probably be more careful with the fins and take more time with them. When we glued them to the body we aligned it with the preset position the holder thing was in instead of following the lines exactly as we marked. Besides that I think it went well. To continue this experiment I could maybe build a rocket from scratch or make the engine but I don't think I would want to. It was a cool experience but I think building the model rocket was enough.
Take aways: So far, I learned how to work with other people to create one product, I wasn't sure how we would all work on one thing, but there were a lot of different parts we split up. I also learned a lot about rockets and the physics and chemistry that goes on behind it.