Comments about Arbor Scientific Air-Powered Projectile:

A few generations of these were inconsistent and unreliable. But this set works great. Reproducible, consistent results. I had the kids predict the angle and launch cap they needed to hit a target from various heights and ranges up to 100 yards. All groups got within 6 feet. These are great for showing projectile motion.

Comments about Arbor Scientific Air-Powered Projectile:

I have been using these rockets for years in my physics and applied physics classes. Students work in teams and calculate the initial velocity for each washer (low, medium, high and super). Then we launch them down the football field at various angles. Students love trying to make a field goal! It gets us outside and gets kids involved. Once back in the classroom we calculate, graph, argue and discuss. The equipment is inexpensive, safe and easy to use. It is not indestructible however. Replacement parts need to be ordered periodically.

Comments about Arbor Scientific Air-Powered Projectile:

This is a great way to take the 2-liter bottle rocket and make it quantitative. With a couple of stopwatches, this becomes a far better learning experience than any of the many other rockets that I have used.

Comments about Arbor Scientific Air-Powered Projectile:

Teenagers: if they can get hurt, they will. I thought I had my students far enough away during the vertical launch, but one of them managed to get under the rocket and, luckily, was only glanced by the rocket as it came down. The rocket tore his goggles and glasses off (his glasses survived, but not the goggles). He was a bit woosey, but no concussion or other problems.
BE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR KIDS SOMEWHERE WHERE THE VERTICALLY LAUNCHED ROCKET CAN'T LAND ON THEM.
In the end, we had a great discussion about safety (and the need for goggles!). The softball/baseball players agreed that the pop fly is the hardest to catch, and our injury confirmed how hard it is to determine how close a vertically falling object is to you.

Comments about Arbor Scientific Air-Powered Projectile:

We used the airpowered rockets in my physics class on our Projectile Motion unit. We calculated the initial velocity by timing the time of flight when fired straight up. The students then calculated the horizontal distance using their initial velocity and firing angle. They then fired the rockets and measured their actual distance traveled on our football field and compared their results.

Comments about Arbor Scientific Air-Powered Projectile:

I use the air powered projectile as a two day lab. First launch rocket vertically and calculate the time to go up. Using this time students calculate the initial velocity, and find velocities in the x and y direction. Using velocity in y direction they calculate the time the rocket will be at 10.5 ft. Once they know the time, they use the velocity in x direction and this time to launch a rocket through the field goal.

Comments about Arbor Scientific Air-Powered Projectile:

Per your 19 Sep 08, we are awaiting the new white washers (caps) to replace the defective ones sent with the rocket. Outside of the difficulties my cadets are having launching the rocket (because of the washers) the unit works well and is a good demonstration of action/reaction, force and acceleratio, etc.

Comments about Arbor Scientific Air-Powered Projectile:

I used to love these rockets, but recently the quality has become dismal; yesterday, many of the launch caps split, and one rocket base exploded, showering my kids with sharp pieces of plastic! (And we weren't even using the "super" caps.) Beware!

Due to breakage, I do not even have enough complete set-ups to do this with my other classes (and I am not sure that I should).

Comments about Arbor Scientific Air-Powered Projectile:

Product was great, however i recommend ordering the replacement valves(red), they seem to work better that the ones that come with the rocket(yellow)

Comments about Arbor Scientific Air-Powered Projectile:

The price is very good for what you get, and the students do enjoy this lab more than most. There is a large variance in the data based on wind, moisture (on the launch pad), and how the student pumps on the "blast off" (whether the pump is going down or up)

Students predict range. Place teacher at location. Hit teacher on the next shot earn an A. (I've not been hit so far; about 50 tries.)

Comments about Arbor Scientific Air-Powered Projectile:

While a teacher at Matawan Regional High School, I ordered a class set for my Physics classes. Was very successful addition to our demonstrations. [...] I ordered this one to delight my grandchildren.

Comments about Arbor Scientific Air-Powered Projectile:

The product is one of the best fun ways to teach projectile motion. However, we found the equipment breaks easily, especially the pressure washers. We found the pressure washers change when they release depending on many factors. This makes day-to-day repeatability not very predictable.

Comments about Arbor Scientific Air-Powered Projectile:

Overall very good product. Students really enjoy working with the rocket. Pressure caps sometimes either crack (2% of the time) or too tight and won't blast off. But, this won't stop me from ordering more and continuing to use the rockets.

Comments about Arbor Scientific Air-Powered Projectile:

This is the best rocket available anywhere for classroom use. It IS a TRUE projectile unlike the other rockets that are available with other companies. For Physics teachers, you want an accurate, repeatable device to not just display Projectile motion but to perform practical calculations with your students. This IS the ONLY rocket I have seen in my 22 years of teaching Physics that meets all of those criteria. This is a must for every Physical Science teacher's classroom!