FREE Resources About Rockets and Missiles
Published:
January 25, 2021
Contributor:
Sarah Shelton
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Children seem to be fascinated with outer space and rockets that can fly to the moon. It is super exciting and mysterious at the same time. As your children get older they may really start to look at what goes into exploring space. When they research further they will see that there is a big difference between rockets or rocket ships and missiles.
If you have children that like learning about engines, and things that move fast, or even weaponry, they will enjoy learning about rockets and missiles. Learning about rockets and missiles will go great with a study on outer space or an independent STEM or engineering unit study.
You can take it a step further and research about the history of missiles. You can learn about the different types of missiles used in historical wars and defense of our country.
What is a rocket?
A rocket describes a type of engine, or a vehicle that uses a rocket engine to propel itself. A rocket moves by producing thrust when it burns fuel to take off.
You can find out more about what a rocket is and rocketry as an engineering science in these articles and lesson plans:
What is a rocket? – NASA for Students
Design a Foam Rocket and other lesson plans, guides and activities from Pre-K up through grade 12 from NASA.
How Rocket Engines Work – Science How Stuff Works
Resources and Lesson Plans for Teachers – National Association of Rocketry
Adventures in Rocket Science STEM Education – NASA
How Does a Rocket Work? – European Space Agency for Kids
Learn About Rocket Propulsion and Space Transportation – NASA
Engineering Rockets and Rovers is a free 8 week curriculum that covers the topic of Aerospace Engineering – Engineering is Elementary
What is a missile?
A missile is essentially a guided rocket that is self propelled by a jet engine or rocket motor. It is a rocket propelled weapon that can deliver an explosive warhead at high speeds and with great accuracy.
Learn more about missiles and the history of missiles with these articles, lessons and timelines:
How do Guided Missiles Work? – Science ABC
Guided Missile History – Kids Britannica
Nuclear Missile Facts – Kidz Search
The History of the Cuban Missile Crisis – Britannica
US Ballistic Missile Defense Timeline: 1945 to Present – UCSUSA
The Beginning of Missile Defense – PBS Frontline
Iran’s Missile Program: Past and Present – Iran Watch
Current U.S. Missile Defense Programs at a Glance – Arms Control
Different Types of Missiles and Their Technology – World Defense
More Free Resources on Rockets, Missiles and Spacecraft:
Rockets, Missiles and Spacecraft FREE Ebook – DIY Homeschooler
Articles about Rockets and Missiles:
Learn how rocketry got a boost in the 20th century, altering warfare and taking humans into space. – Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Rockets and Missiles Exhibit Spotlight – Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
The Difference Between a Rocket and a Missile – Difference Wiki
Rockets and Missiles: Physical Science, Videos, Stories and Articles – Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Rocket and Missile Hands-on Activities:
Tons of STEM Lesson Plans and Activities on Rockets and Missiles – NASA Jet Propulsion Labratory
Rockets Away! How to Build a Rocket Simulator – Ohio 4 H Club
Simple Rocket Science Educator Guide and Experiments – NASA
How to Build a Paper Missiles and Launcher in 4 Steps – Instructables
If your kids enjoy building and launching things they will love this book! My husband and son built tons of fun things from this book when he was younger:
Build Your Own Rocket Launcher – Science 4 My Kid
How to Make a Scud Missile for Kids in 6 Steps – Instructables
Balloon Rocket STEM Activity – Happy Brown House
Sarah Shelton
Sarah is a wife, daughter of the King and Mama to 4 children (two homeschool graduates) She is a an eclectic, Charlotte Mason style homeschooler that has been homeschooling for over 20 years. She is still trying to find the balance between work and keeping a home and gardens. She can only do it by the Grace of God, coffee and green juice!
