Algebra Lab: Quadratics - Using the Vertex Formula with Water Rockets!

Are you the type of teacher who will go that extra mile to get your students involved. Then have I got a lab for you! Build and launch water rockets to help your students connect with quadratics and the vertex formula.

With just a few simple and inexpensive PVC parts from the local home improvement store, and a bicycle pump, you can build yourself a simple and fun water bottle rocket launcher. And the rockets are simple 2-liter soda bottles, but boy do they fly!

See my students launching water rockets...
Click here: You Tube - Water Rocket Launch 1
Click here: You Tube - Water Rocket Launch 2

With your help and a little creative algebraic manipulation, students will be able to find their rocket's initial velocity and then solve to the rockets maximum height! A very cool application of vertex formula.

This lab includes:
* Materials list
* Step by step guide to build launcher (very easy)
* Lesson Plan for successful lab
* Student Lab response sheet
* Answer key for various rocket landing times
* Pre-lab assignment to get familiar with the quadratic application in word problems involving projectiles. (with answer key)
* Finished lab sheet example

Please note: This lab uses a simplified application of h=-16t^2+vt+c
It does not account for wind, air resistance, or mass. This is made known to the students from the beginning of the lab to the end. They understand that this is not a perfect application, but just a fun way to apply quadratics to what we are learning.

Key words: hands on math, math in the real world, real world math, application, project based learning., end of year project, end of year activity.