Additional Extensions

• Construct models of historical rockets. Refer to the reference list for picture books on rockets to use as information on the appearance of various rockets. Use scrap materials for the models such as:
  • Mailing tubes
  • Cardboard
  • Tubes from paper rolls
  • Spools
  • Coffee creamer packages (that look like rocket engine nozzles)
  • Egg-shaped hosiery packages (for nose cones)
  • Tape
  • Styrofoam cones
  • Spheres
  • Cylinders
  • Glue

• Use rockets as a theme for artwork. Teach perspective and vanishing points by choosing unusual angles, such as a birds-eye view for picturing rocket launches.

• Research the reasons why so many different rockets have been used for space exploration.

• Design the next generation of spaceships.

• Compare rockets in science fiction with actual rockets.

• Follow up the rocket activities in this guide with construction and launch of commercial model rockets. Rocket kits and engines can be purchased from craft and hobby stores and directly from the manufacturer. Obtain additional information about model rocketry by contacting the National Association of Rocketry, P.O. Box 177, Altoona, WI 54720.

• Contact NASA Spacelink for information about the history of rockets and NASA's family of rockets under the heading, "Space Exploration Before the Space Shuttle." See the resource section at the end of this guide for details.