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A nice article on how rockets work !

Not sure if it's specifically written for kids but it is easy to read and either confirms what you think or surprises you in it's 'simplicity' of explanation !

https://www.explainthatstuff.com/spacerockets.html

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SW-User

Reminds me of October Sky movie. Loved it.

I just skimmed through and they have almost touched all the basics and the physics behind rockets and aerodynamics of the shuttle. The best explanation is always the simple ones.

A lot of students lose interest because those who write the books or teach, just don't know how to explain it in simple terms. Students are told what to learn, but never taught how to learn.

Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M

@SW-User Talking to somebody earlier and explaining how everybody has a 'style' they find easiest to learn from.

Yes you're right ! The way anything is taught will depend how well their students understood it and can relate to it.

I think Einstein is alleged to have said "If you can't explain it simply you don't understand it well enough" (or similar)

SW-User

@Picklebobble2 Very true. Learning isn't a spectator sport of a one size fits all thing. All people can't sit in classes and listen to lectures and consume(some can), especially when it's the age of exponential learning. Most of the time people learn by creation and not by consumption, that's why hands on way of learning is very important. Most of the schools use the same cookie cutter approach to teach everyone which is why many great talents are lost.

Back to the link you sent. Isn't it amazing how tiny is the payload compared to the whole rocket?

The breakdown has been explained even better in the link as below.

Artwork: The parts of an Ariane 5 rocket. The central rocket comprises two stages: the lower Cryogenic Main Stage (EPC, orange dotted line) and the Cryogenic Upper Stage (ESC-A, gray dotted line). Solid rocket boosters (orange) stand on each side. Inside the central rocket, the main parts are:
1) Detachable fairing to protect payload as the rocket blasts through Earth's atmosphere;
2) Payload consisting of (in this mission) two satellites to be launched;
3) Satellite mounted on top is launched last;
4) Speltra structure allows two satellites to be launched in the same mission;
5) Satellite mounted underneath Speltra is launched first;
6) Small Aestus engine;
7) Liquid oxygen tank;
8) Liquid hydrogen tank;
9) Vulcain main engine.

Thanks for sharing this one. I'm going to send it to people who are interested in space and rockets like I do.