| g and flying model rockets can be a great way | | | | subject is too difficult for them, and this is |
| for students of any age to learn a bit about the | | | | especially true in the sciences which can be very |
| basic rules of physics. Although model rockets | | | | intimidating for students. By taking physics into |
| may look more like toys than like educational | | | | your own backyard, you can encourage your child |
| tools, during the process of building and launching a | | | | to approach science in a fun way that will help |
| model rocket any enthusiast is bound to pick up | | | | them build confidence. |
| quite a bit of knowledge about the forces that | | | | Your son or daughter may not even be aware |
| govern physical motion. Even if your child is | | | | that when they are measuring the dimensions of |
| anything but an honor roll student, after spending | | | | their model rocket during the planning phase |
| a fun weekend together constructing your own | | | | before they begin to build, that they are dealing |
| model rockets your son or daughter will be able | | | | with the same scientific principles that can feel |
| to confidently explain important scientific concepts | | | | beyond their grasp in a classroom setting. By |
| like weight and thrust. These topics make up the | | | | giving your child a chance to absorb this kind of |
| backbone of the study of aerodynamics. | | | | information outside of the pressures of the school |
| When flying a model rocket, you will be able to | | | | room, you may be sowing the seeds for an |
| observe Newtonian physics in action. The basic | | | | enduring interest in the subject matter. The key |
| laws of motion are on display for anyone | | | | to letting this kind of educational experience unfold |
| watching a model rocket in the air to see. | | | | is not to pressure your child along the way. |
| Learning about inertia, acceleration, and friction are | | | | Have reference books on hand in case questions |
| key parts of building a rocket that will succeed off | | | | about topics like inertia and acceleration come up, |
| of the ground. This fact can help spark your | | | | but don’t force your child to consider |
| child’s interest in science. | | | | these issues unless they become relevant. Strive |
| Sometimes, taking learning out of the classroom | | | | to create a playful and relaxed atmosphere that |
| can help a student gain mastery in a subject | | | | will make your son or daughter comfortable |
| matter that they are not fully absorbing within the | | | | enough to indulge his or her natural curiosity about |
| school setting. Often, a child whose learning style | | | | how and why the rocket works. |
| clashes with that of his or her teacher will feel a | | | | |