When Mr. Li, a science teacher at a middle school in the Chinese mainland, transformed a stack of plastic buckets into a water-powered booster rocket this December, he didn’t just launch a makeshift spacecraft—he ignited a passion for STEM among his students.
The project began this semester as part of a hands-on learning module. Using readily available materials—buckets, PVC pipe, and water—students helped assemble the rocket in the schoolyard. On launch day, the rocket soared over 15 meters, prompting cheers and sparking new questions about pressure, propulsion, and environmental physics.
"I wanted to move beyond theory," Mr. Li explains. "By building the rocket together, students see how scientific principles play out in real time."
Hands-on learning is gaining momentum worldwide. Recent research indicates that interactive experiments can boost student engagement by up to 60%, while improving retention and fostering critical thinking. Mr. Li’s initiative aligns with a broader push in the Chinese mainland to modernize STEM education and prepare young global citizens for the challenges of tomorrow.
For many students, the rocket project was more than a one-off demonstration. It inspired after-school clubs, peer-led workshops, and a flood of science fair proposals. "I never thought I'd design a rocket," says one student. "Now I’m dreaming of engineering a drone."
As schools around the world seek to rejuvenate science curricula, Mr. Li’s water-powered rocket stands as a vivid reminder: sometimes the simplest materials can launch the biggest ideas.
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Chinese teacher brings science to life with water-powered rocket
cgtn.com
