Students will investigate the driving question, How can we use quadratic equations to accurately predict the flight path and landing point of a water bottle rocket? By designing, building, and launching a water bottle rocket, they will collect flight data and use it to create and test a quadratic model of the rocket’s trajectory. This learning experience connects algebra to a visible, real-world event as students calculate maximum height, time to reach the vertex, and landing point using graphs, equations, and technology. Through collaboration, critique, revision, and public sharing in a digital portfolio and gallery walk, students will strengthen mathematical reasoning and communication.

How can we use quadratic equations to accurately predict the flight path and landing point of a water bottle rocket? Students will apply quadratic functions to model rocket flight data, create equations from real measurements, and solve for key features such as maximum height, time to reach the vertex, and intercepts. They will use graphing technology to compare predicted and actual trajectories, evaluate the accuracy of their models, and revise their calculations based on peer and teacher feedback. Through engineering, data analysis, and presentation tasks, students will strengthen collaboration, mathematical reasoning, and clear communication in a digital portfolio and gallery walk.

Students will investigate the driving question, How can we use quadratic equations to accurately predict the flight path and landing point of a water bottle rocket? Throughout the project, they will create a water bottle rocket, flight-data tables, hand-drawn and digital graphs, quadratic equations, and revised trajectory models based on critique at a mid-project checkpoint. By the end, each team will complete a digital portfolio that includes predictions, launch data, calculations for maximum height and time to reach it, graphs, reflections, and a written or recorded explanation of their model’s accuracy. They will also prepare a poster display for the Rocket Trajectory Gallery Walk and rocket launch showcase so peers and teachers can examine their equations, graphs, and conclusions.

Students will begin with a Launch Day Simulation, taking on roles such as engineers, data analysts, and launch controllers as they plan and carry out a mock rocket launch. The driving question, “How can we use quadratic equations to accurately predict the flight path and landing point of a water bottle rocket?” frames the experience and gives teams a clear purpose for their work. As teams make predictions, review sample flight data, and discuss what information they will need from a real launch, they build shared background knowledge and excitement for designing, testing, and analyzing their own rockets.

Students will host a Rocket Trajectory Gallery Walk in the classroom or school hall, centered on the driving question: How can we use quadratic equations to accurately predict the flight path and landing point of a water bottle rocket? Each exhibit will feature a digital portfolio on a poster with the rocket design, launch data, quadratic equation, graph, and analysis of maximum height, time to vertex, and landing point. Peers, teachers, and families can circulate, ask questions, and compare how different models matched the actual flights.