Students plan and build a straw rocket with the aim of making one that flies the farthest for the lowest cost.
Spend (Buying things)
Math, Science
Elementary school (4-5)
75-90 minutes
Big idea
Planning ahead and comparing costs can help you make good spending decisions.
Essential questions
- How can you make spending decisions that are best for you?
- Are things that cost more always better?
Objectives
- Practice comparing costs and making spending choices
- Explore whether things that cost more are always better
What students will do
- Build and launch a test rocket using different combinations of materials.
- Reflect on which materials help them build a rocket that flies the farthest for the lowest cost.
Download activity
Teacher guide
cfpb_building_block_activities_comparing-costs-when-building-rocket_guide.pdf
Student materials
cfpb_building_block_activities_comparing-costs-when-building-rocket_worksheet.pdf
Note: Please remember to consider your students’ accommodations and special needs to ensure that all students are able to participate in a meaningful way.