![Visualization of Lunar IceCube’s Ion Propulsion Thruster.](https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bit-3-and-rf-cathode-on-iodine.jpg?w=1024)
Audience
Educators
Grade Levels
Grades 5-8
Subject
History, Mathematics, Physical Science, Flight, Measurement and Data Analysis, Flight and Aeronautics, Forces and Motion
Type
Lesson Plans / Activities
Controlling and directing the angle of the thrust that comes out of an engine is called thrust vectoring. In this activity, students attach a balloon and flexible straw “engine” to a cutout airplane. They control the direction of the thrust from the balloon by bending the flexible straw in different directions. A student sheet is included.
Vectoring [705KB PDF file]
This activity is part of the Exploring the Extreme Educator Guide.