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Science in Action

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Andrea Molina

Tier 2
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Science in Action Lesson Plan

Students will explore Newton’s third law by designing and testing balloon rockets and then communicate their findings through structured reflection prompts.

Hands-on physics experiments paired with written reflections help students internalize scientific principles, foster collaborative skills, and develop clear science communication.

Audience

7th Grade Group

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Build, test, and reflect through guided experiment and journaling.

Materials

Balloons (1 per group), Straws (1 per group), String or Fishing Line (3–5 m per group), Tape (1 roll per group), Paperclips or Small Weights (10–15 per group), and Experiment Reflection Prompts

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

  • Gather and organize materials at each station: balloons, straws, string, tape, paperclips/weights.
  • Cut string into 3–5 m lengths and secure between two fixed points in the room.
  • Print or project the Experiment Reflection Prompts for each student.
  • Review the prompts to anticipate student questions and discussion.
  • Test one setup yourself to ensure smooth operation.

Step 1

Introduction to Balloon Rockets

10 minutes

  • Explain Newton’s third law: for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
  • Show a quick demo launch of a balloon rocket.
  • Ask students to predict how changing angle, weight, or inflation affects motion.
  • Record predictions on the board.

Step 2

Group Design & Construction

20 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups and distribute materials.
  • Instruct groups to thread the straw onto the string and tape an inflated balloon to the straw.
  • Encourage groups to experiment with adding paperclips/weights or adjusting angle.
  • Remind students to note design choices.

Step 3

Experiment & Observations

15 minutes

  • Each group releases their balloon rocket and measures flight distance or duration.
  • Record at least three trials, noting variables and results.
  • Prompt groups to tweak one variable (e.g., weight or launch angle) and retest.
  • Collect observational data on the board for comparison.

Step 4

Reflection & Discussion

15 minutes

  • Hand out the Experiment Reflection Prompts.
  • Students individually write answers, connecting observations to Newton’s third law.
  • In small groups, share key insights and discuss any surprises.
  • Conclude with a whole-class debrief on engineering challenges and scientific reasoning.
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Slide Deck

Science in Action

Hands-on 7th Grade Physics: Balloon Rockets & Scientific Reflection

Welcome the students and introduce the session. Explain that today’s hands-on activity will help them experience physics in action and practice science communication.

Learning Objectives

• Explore Newton’s third law of motion
• Design and test balloon rockets
• Communicate findings through written reflections

Read each objective aloud and briefly elaborate how the day’s activities connect to them.

Materials

• Balloon (1 per group)
• Straw (1 per group)
• String or fishing line (3–5 m per group)
• Tape (1 roll per group)
• Paperclips or small weights (10–15 per group)
• Experiment Reflection Prompts

Verify every group has the materials before starting. Point out where extra supplies are located.

Introduction: Newton’s Third Law

“For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.”

• Observe the demo launch
• Predict how changes in weight, angle, or inflation affect motion

Introduce Newton’s third law. Perform or show a quick demo launch and then ask students to record predictions.

Group Design & Construction

  1. Thread the straw onto the string
  2. Inflate and tape the balloon to the straw
  3. Add paperclips or adjust angle to test design variables
  4. Record your design choices

Divide students into small groups. Circulate to ensure correct setup and safe handling of materials.

Experiment & Observations

• Conduct at least three trials
• Measure flight distance or duration
• Record variables and results
• Modify one variable and retest

Guide students as they measure and record data. Encourage them to tweak one variable between trials.

Reflection Prompts

Experiment Reflection Prompts

Distribute the reflection prompts. Remind students to connect observations to Newton’s third law.

Wrap-Up & Discussion

• Share insights in small groups
• Discuss surprises and engineering challenges
• Connect findings back to Newton’s third law

Have students share key insights in their groups, then lead a whole-class discussion. Highlight engineering challenges and scientific reasoning.

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Journal

Experiment Reflection Prompts

Use the following questions to guide your written reflection. Answer each prompt thoughtfully, citing specific observations and data from your trials.

  1. What was your initial design for the balloon rocket? Why did you choose this design?



  2. Describe what you observed during your first rocket launch. What variables did you measure, and what patterns did you notice?







  3. When you changed one variable (for example, adding weight or altering the launch angle), how did the rocket’s performance change? Use specific data from your trials to support your explanation.











  4. Explain how your results illustrate Newton’s third law of motion. Provide at least two specific examples from your experiment, referencing action–reaction forces.













  5. Reflect on any engineering challenges you encountered. How did you solve these challenges, and what did you learn about the design process?







  6. If you were to run this experiment again, what improvements or new variations would you propose? Why would these changes be important for further understanding?











Disclaimer: Refer back to your data tables and group discussion notes as you craft your responses.

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