Last week was a thrilling time in our classroom and on the playground as we launched our very own water bottle rocket! With a few final checks and some countdown cheers, the rocket shot several feet high, impressing everyone with just how powerful science can be. Not only was it a joy to see it soar, but it was also a fantastic, hands-on lesson in Newton’s Third Law of Motion.

Newton’s Third Law of Motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This principle is the driving force behind our water bottle rocket launch.

When we launched our water bottle rocket, we filled it with water and then pressurized it by pumping in air. This built up a lot of internal pressure inside the bottle. When we released the bottle from the launcher, all that pressurized water was forced out of the opening at high speed – this is the action.

According to Newton’s Third Law, the reaction to this forceful expulsion of water was an equal and opposite force pushing the rocket upwards. So, as the water shot downward out of the bottle, the rocket was pushed upwards with enough force to launch it several feet into the air. This reaction force, in opposition to the downward force of the water, is what allowed our rocket to launch successfully and is a perfect, real-world example of Newton’s Third Law in action!

The students could see how the amount of water, the level of air pressure, and even the shape of the rocket influenced how high it flew, making this not just a fun demonstration but a rich learning experience in physics and engineering principles.

The water bottle rocket launcher itself was a special part of this project; it was 3D printed right here in our classroom! The students have been learning about 3D design and printing, and having the chance to see it come to life made the experience all the more meaningful. After the successful launch, they’re now applying their skills to design and print their own balloon-powered cars, which they’ll get to race soon. We can’t wait to see their creativity and problem-solving in action as they learn about Newton’s third law and 3D printing

I’m sharing a video of the launch below for all to enjoy – it’s one for the memory books!

Rocket Launch