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from Tucson, AZ on 12/17/2008
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.
from San Diego on 11/25/2008
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.
from Grand Haven, MI on 10/16/2008
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.
from Lancaster, PA on 10/16/2008
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).
from Phoenix, AZ on 5/9/2007
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)
from South Carolina on 3/2/2007
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.)
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.
from Amherst, NH on 11/27/2006
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.
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.
from Whitesboro High School on 8/25/2006
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!