Water Rockets: Applying Quadratic Functions Step 1: Pre-Launch 1.) Why do you think we are launching rockets?

Name: ______________________

2.) Predict what shape the rocket path will have. You can draw a picture or just use sentences. Either way, use appropriate vocabulary.

3.) Estimate how long the rocket will be in the air & the highest point (in feet) of the rocket.

Step 2: 3.2.1LIFTOFF With your group, fill in this table.

Rocket Launch 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Timer: _________________

Timer: _________________

Timer: _________________

Timer: _________________

Water Rockets: Applying Quadratic Functions

Name: ______________________

Step 3: Youve seen rockets go KA-BOOM. PREDICTION TIME 1.) Predict what a sketch of the graph the height and time of the rocket will look like.

Describe the vertex of your sketch. Will it be a maximum or a minimum?

Step 4: Houston, we have a (math) problem 1. Calculate the average time for each launch. Rocket Launch 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Average

2. You are group number ____________. Numbers are lame. Give your rocket a NAME Our rocket is named: _________________________________ What was the average time your rocket was in the air? __________________________

Water Rockets: Applying Quadratic Functions

Name: ______________________

a. The formula for a projectile is: h(t) = -16t2 + v0t + h0 What variables do you have? What are their values? Remember: t = time v0 = Initial Velocity h0 = Initial height h(t) = final height Your values Units!

b. Substitute these numbers into the formula.

c. Solve for the missing variable.

d. Substitute that value into your formula, h(t).

Water Rockets: Applying Quadratic Functions Step 5: Launch Analysis

Name: ______________________

1. Graph the equation you have created on the grid below. Include a title, labels on your axes and a scale for each axis.

3. Using your graph, answer these two questions. a. How long was the rocket in the air? How do you know?

b. How does this compare to the average you found for your launch times? Why?

c. What was the highest point of your rockets path? How do you know?

Water Rockets: Applying Quadratic Functions Step 6: To Infinity & BEYOND!

Name: ______________________

1. The real world isnt perfect. Your equation is. Why might our video of your launch be different from your graph? Give 3 possible reasons.

2. What could we change to make our math (equation and graph) better match the rocket?

3. How long would it take for your rocket to reach a height of 30 feet? Show all of your work.

4. How high will your rocket be after 3 seconds?