Section 4 EO C440.02 – LAUNCH A SMALL MODEL ROCKET

ROYAL CANADIAN AIR CADETS
PROFICIENCY LEVEL FOUR
INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE
 
SECTION 4
EO C440.02 – LAUNCH A SMALL MODEL ROCKET
Total Time:
90 min
PREPARATION
PRE-LESSON INSTRUCTIONS

Resources needed for the delivery of this lesson are listed in the lesson specification located in A-CR-CCP-804/PG-001, Proficiency Level Four Qualification Standard and Plan, Chapter 4. Specific uses for said resources are identified throughout the instructional guide within the TP for which they are required.

Review the lesson content and become familiar with the material prior to delivering the lesson.

Locate a proposed launch site IAW the Launch Site Set-Up located at Attachment A.

Ensure that permission to launch a small model rocket has been received from airport authorities.

Ensure that written permission to use the launch location has been received from the property owner.

Perform a risk assessment of the launch location.

Practice rocket engine and igniter installation.

Assemble the rocket launch controllers and launch towers.

PRE-LESSON ASSIGNMENT

Nil.

APPROACH

A practical activity was chosen for this lesson as it is an interactive way to introduce the cadets to constructing and launching model rockets in a safe, controlled environment.

INTRODUCTION
REVIEW

Nil.

OBJECTIVES

By the end of this lesson, the cadet shall have launched a small model rocket.

IMPORTANCE

It is important for cadets to experience the thrill of launching a model rocket, as it will stimulate an interest in aerospace, model rocketry and the Air Cadet Program. Launching a small model rocket that they built themselves will also develop in cadets a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Teaching point 1
Demonstrate and have the cadets assemble a model rocket.
Time: 25 min
Method: Practical Activity
ACTIVITY
OBJECTIVE

The objective of this activity is to have the cadets assemble a model rocket.

RESOURCES

No. 11 hobby knives,

Cement for plastic models,

Scissors,

Pencil, and

Model rocket kit that utilizes an A-series engine.

ACTIVITY LAYOUT

Nil.

ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS

1.Familiarize the cadets with the parts of the rocket.

2.Distribute one model rocket kit to each cadet.

3.Demonstrate and have the cadets, in pairs, complete the steps in building a model rocket.

SAFETY

Caution is required when using sharp tools.

Provide adequate ventilation when using solvent-based glues.

CONFIRMATION OF TEACHING POINT 1

The cadets' participation in the activity will be the confirmation of this TP.

Teaching point 2
Have the cadets assist in the set-up of the rocket launch site.
Time: 20 min
Method: Practical Activity

Have the cadets assist in the set-up of the rocket launch site IAW Attachment A.

CONFIRMATION OF TEACHING POINT 2

The cadets' participation in the activity will serve as the confirmation of this TP.

Teaching point 3
Have the cadet launch a small model rocket.
Time: 35 min
Method: Practical Activity
ACTIVITY
OBJECTIVE

The objective of this activity is to have the cadets launch the small model rockets assembled in TP 1.

RESOURCES

Preassembled model rockets from TP 1,

Rocket launch site setup drawing located at Attachment A,

Model rocket launching procedure located at Attachment B,

Model rocket launch tower,

Model rocket launch controller,

80 m of safety tape,

18 modular tent pegs or a suitable substitute,

Safety glasses,

Voltmeter,

Pliers,

Screwdriver, and

Electrical tape.

ACTIVITY LAYOUT

The rocket launch site will be set up IAW Attachment A.

ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS

1.Follow the model rocket launching procedure located at Attachment B.

2.Have the cadets install the igniters in the rocket engines.

3.Have the cadets install the rocket engines in the rockets.

4.Have the cadets place the rockets on the launch pads.

5.Have the cadets press the launch buttons and launch their rockets.

6.Have the cadets track the rockets through its flight.

7.After the rockets have landed, have the cadets recover them.

SAFETY

Ensure control of the entire rocket site at all times.

Only the instructor and the cadets launching the rockets will be in the launch control area.

Spectators will remain at least 20 m from the launch tower.

Engines should be kept in a steel box and only distributed when the rockets are ready to be launched.

Horseplay will not be tolerated at any time during the launching of model rockets.

Recovery should be done quickly as delay may prevent the launching of all the rockets.

CONFIRMATION OF TEACHING POINT 3

The cadets' participation in the activity will serve as the confirmation of this TP.

END OF LESSON CONFIRMATION

The cadets' participation in the small model rocket launch will serve as the confirmation of this lesson.

CONCLUSION
HOMEWORK / READING / PRACTICE

Nil.

METHOD OF EVALUATION

Nil.

CLOSING STATEMENT

A model rocket is subject to the same forces and laws of nature as a space-program launch vehicle. Experience with model rockets will give the hobbyist useful space program insights.

INSTRUCTOR NOTES / REMARKS

EO C440.01 (Describe Model Rocketry) must also be selected and delivered prior to this lesson.

Cadets who are qualified Advanced Aerospace may assist with this instruction.

REFERENCES

C3-162 Beach, T. (1993). Model rocketry technical manual. Retrieved October 10, 2007, from http://www.estesrockets.com/assets/downloads/roecketrytechniques.pdf

C3-163 Cannon, R. L. (1999). A learning guide for model rocket launch systems. Retrieved October 10, 2007, from http://www.estesrockets.com/assets/downloads/launchsystemguide.pdf

C3-259 ISBN 978-0-471-47242-1 Stine, G. H. (2004). Handbook of model rocketry. Toronto, ON: John Wiley & Sons.

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