THE
Rocket Factory continues to fill a need for special events and is being
used by schools, colleges and many other educational organisations.
It has been spotted in use on the BBC news a couple of times when an
‘education’ issue has come and an interesting activity is needed! Its
principal appeal is ultra low-cost rocket construction and zero launch
costs – unlike pyrotechnic rockets. Pupils can experiment with a host
of design variables that will provide spectacular performance effects
– twisted fins to give spin and stability, parachutes to open and even
folded wings and blades to give slow descents.
As a
focus for competitive events, it provides fantastic design and make opportunities
at a very low cost. Like rockets for the rocket Factory, cars can be manufactured
around rolled paper tubes capped at one end. The variables then affecting
performance include wheel types, bearings, body design, weight, balance
suspension etc. The launcher air pressure can be set and monitored so
that a typical car will travel relatively slowly a few metres or at up
to 30mph several tens of metres.
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: Mindsets online : Rockets
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