Estes Educational Material
The model rocket manufacturer Estes provides free educational material about model rocketry and model rocket education. Over 30 separate educational items are available, and include the following:
- Educator Curricula
- Lesson Plans (1-day, 2-day, and 3-day plans included)
- Language
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- Industrial Technology
- Resources & Worksheets
- Estes General Publications
- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Educator Curricula
- Science and Model Rockets for Grades 5,6,7,8 - Lesson Plans on model rocketry basics, principles of flight, aerodynamics and more.
- Mathematics and Model Rockets for Grades 5-12 - Curriculum explores center of mass and center of pressure, then relates both to model rocket stability.
- Physics and Model Rockets for Grades 8,9,10,11 - Lessons on Newtons Laws of Motion and aerodynamic principals applied to model rockets. Includes a student book.
- Industrial Technology and Model Rockets for Grades 6-12 - Applies the vast range of industrial technolgy subjects through the design, development and study of rocketry.
- Aviation and Light Gliders for Grades 2,3,4 - Covers the history of aviation, aerodynamics, airport facilities and field day activities with light gliders.
- SpaceLoft Lesson Guide for Grades 5-8 - Lessons on the new era of private spacecraft exploration including the SpaceLoft rocket.
Lesson Plans
Grades 3-5
- Language 1-Day Plan, 2-Day Plan, 3-Day Plan
- Math 1-Day Plan, 2-Day Plan, 3-Day Plan
- Science 1-Day Plan, 2-Day Plan, 3-Day Plan
- Social Studies 1-Day Plan, 2-Day Plan, 3-Day Plan
- Industrial Technologies 1-Day Plan, 2-Day Plan, 3-Day Plan
Grades 6-8
- Language 1-Day Plan, 2-Day Plan, 3-Day Plan
- Math 1-Day Plan, 2-Day Plan, 3-Day Plan
- Science 1-Day Plan, 2-Day Plan, 3-Day Plan
- Social Studies 1-Day Plan, 2-Day Plan, 3-Day Plan
- Industrial Technologies 1-Day Plan, 2-Day Plan, 3-Day Plan
Grades 9-12
- Language 1-Day Plan, 2-Day Plan, 3-Day Plan
- Math 1-Day Plan, 2-Day Plan, 3-Day Plan
- Science 1-Day Plan, 2-Day Plan, 3-Day Plan
- Social Studies 1-Day Plan, 2-Day Plan, 3-Day Plan
- Industrial Technologies 1-Day Plan, 2-Day Plan, 3-Day Plan
Resources and Worksheets
- Altitude Tracking and Launch Graphs
- Astronaut Photos
- Choosing a Launch Site
- Designer's Plan Sheet
- Drag
- Fins and Nose Cones
- Mission Logos
- Model Rocket Engines and Igniters
- Model Rocket Flight Profile
- Model Rocket Nomenclature
- Model Rocketry Webbing
- NAR Model Rocket Safety Code
- Space Work
- Table of Tangents
Publications
- Elementary Mathematics of Model Rocket Flight - Information on how to make and use your own altitude tracker and how to calculate speeds and accelerations reached by model rockets.
- Engine Time/Thrust Curves - These time/thrust curves show the relation between thrust produced by a model rocket engine and time. This page contains time/thrust curves for Estes model rocket engines from 1/4's to E9's.
- Estes Engine Chart - Engine info that includes total impulse, maximum lift weight, maximum thrust, thrust duration, initial weight and propellant weight for each Estes engine.
- Estes Model Rocket Engines - Do you need information on Estes rocket engines? This poster includes how model rocket engines work and how they are classified.
- Guide for Teachers and Youth Group Leaders - Introduces you to Estes' rocket technology, safety and launch day operation techniques. Plus, background on Estes Industries and the complete services offered in our educational program.
- Igniters and Their Use - Exactly what is an igniter? This article explains what it is, how it works and the correct way to install one to successfully launch a model rocket.
- Model Rocket Contest Guide - Use to plan model rocket contests for school classes or clubs. Contains details on types of competitive events and suggestions on all facets of contests from organization of the planning committee to championship awards. Includes sample score sheets.
- Model Rocketry Study Guide - This book presents a logical program for anyone who wants the most from model rocketry. There is a planned sequence of activities through three skill levels that guides a student on his/her path to becoming an expert model rocketeer. A glossary and self-review are provided for each section.
- Model Rocketry Technical Manual - Handy guide for construction and flight of model rockets. Good tips on "scratch building", launch systems, tracking, staging, boost-gliders and more.
- Projects in Model Rocketry - Suggestions on how to plan, prepare and present research projects. Ideas for about one hundred projects. Projects range from simple exhibits to true research work. An excellent reference for Science Fair projects. Great ideas for clubs.
- Rocket Designer's Plan Sheet - Blank plan sheet includes a parts list and notes section.
- Rocketry 101 - Provides the basics for model rocketry. Includes model rocket flight profile, launch site layout, engine information and preflight preparation.
- Reproduction Masters for Model Rocketry - Set of reproducible masters that may be used to make overhead transparencies and handout sheets. Set includes: Model Rocket Flight Profile, Parts of a Model Rocket, Model Rocket Safety Code, Model Rocket Engine Functions, Model Rocket Engine Codes, Model Rocket Engine Time/Thrust Curve and Igniter Installation Procedure.