Launch into Learning : Using Differential Equations to Model Straw Rocket Flights
0Day 1 | 7:00 PM–7:30 PM
"Launch into Learning : Using Differential Equations to Model Straw Rocket Flights"
Presented by:
Viktoria Savatorova, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain CT USA
Ethan Dyer, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain CT USA
Matthew Mitchell, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain CT USA
Gavin Fraczek, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain CT USA
https://qubeshub.org/community/groups/simiode/expo/2025
Abstract: Have you ever launched a rocket? This project began as an outreach activity for high school students and has evolved into a hands-on exploration of mathematical modeling. It starts with building straw rockets, then launching them at various angles, forces, and masses, while collecting data on distance and time traveled. Undergraduate students take it further by developing a model based on Newton’s second law, gravity, and drag forces to predict the rocket's trajectory. By solving the resulting differential equation, they compare the model’s predictions with actual data, revealing how drag forces affect the rocket’s path. Students estimate air resistance and gain insights into measurement errors. The project also challenges students to calculate the rocket's initial speed and optimize launch parameters to hit a target. They can even experiment with different rocket designs. This project is fun and interactive and offers a great application of first-order ODEs.