Rocketry

Rocketry: Investigate the Science and Technology of Rockets and Ballistics introduces students to the fascinating world of rocketry and ballistics. Readers discover the history of rocket development, from the earliest fire arrows in China to modern-day space shuttles, as well as the main concepts of rocketry, including how rockets are launched, move through the atmosphere, and return to earth safely. Exploring the science behind rocket flight, kids learn how the forces of thrust, gravity, lift, and drag interact to determine a rocket's path, then imagine new uses and technologies in rocketry that are being developed today and for the future.

Combining hands-on activities with physics, chemistry, and mathematics, Rocketry brings fun to learning about the world of rocket science. Entertaining illustrations and fascinating sidebars illuminate the topic, while Words to Know highlighted and defined within the text reinforce new vocabulary.

Projects include building a pneumatic blast rocket and launcher, testing a rocket recovery system, and designing a rocket model of the future. Additional materials include a glossary, and a list of current reference works, websites, and Internet resources.

This title meets Common Core State Standards for literacy in science and technology; Guided Reading Levels and Lexile measurements indicate grade level and text complexity.

Carla Mooney is the author of several books for young readers including Forensics: Uncover the Science and Technology of Crime Scene Investigation, The Industrial Revolution: Investigate How Science and Technology Changed the World, and Explore Rivers and Ponds! With 25 Projects. Her work has appeared in many magazines including Highlights, Faces, and Learning Through History. Carla lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Caitlin Denham is a text-image artist and a 2014 BFA in Writing candidate at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. With 10 years of graphic design experience, she produces work influenced by the communicative modes of visual language. Caitlin lives in Crown Point, Indiana.