Teenage Intellect Shoots for the Stars
High school sophomores’ from across the state of Virginia shot for the stars on Sunday at NASA Wallops Island Visitors’ Center.
This group of 42 students are all Virginia Space Coast Scholars – participating in a seven day academy camp. The program features two key elements: 1.) a dynamic on-line science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning experience featuring five modules; and 2.) a seven-day residential Summer Academy at NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, VA, where scholars will learn first hand from NASA professionals and their partners about the latest, cutting edge technologies and mission.
Today, the students’ mission is to build their own rocket made up of provided materials like; 3D cans, rocket launch, pennies, and basic supplies. The goal is to use as many or as least pennies as possible to launch your rocket the highest into the sky.
“This is my second time at camp and it’s always a lot of fun. Well, it’s fun for me at least – I’ve always loved science.” said a space coast scholar before she launched her handmade rocket.
The students are put through a rigorous selection process before being accepted into the summer academy. In addition to having excellent grades and being involved in extra curricular activities at school, the academy also requires teacher recommendations and an overall interest in STEM.
THREE .. TWO .. ONE .. LAUNCH!
As the students launched their masterpieces into the sky, 47 ABC asked a few scholars how they thought they’d do in the competition.
“I think it’ll get close – I’m not going to get myself excited I think it has a sturdy structure so it has a good chance. “
“Probably not going to get first place but its very stable the center of mass is above the center pressure so it does – keep the stability.”
“I’m pretty sure this is the best rocket out here so – I’m not worried.”
The Space Coast Academy is free of charge to all participants and will run two more week-long sessions this summer. There are plenty of programs out there keeping kids and their minds active- even for the younger age group.
NASA Visitor center officials say, Wednesday through Sunday are the best days to come for activities – Engineering challenges, rocket launches, peculiar planet demonstrations and one of the most popular – Make and Take crafts, make for a full day of fun for parents and kids of all ages. On Sunday’s kids are given a rocket picture to color and connect to a straw and a launcher top to create a personal rocket to take home.
For more information on NASA activities visit www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/visitorcenter
