The Shady Side Academy Middle School Rocketry Club showcased their problem-solving prowess and teamwork during their recent rocket launches in Grove City. This exciting, hands-on project brought classroom concepts to life as students designed and launched rockets capable of carrying two eggs to an altitude of 790 feet, safely returning them within a precise 41 to 44-second window.
The team executed two test launches followed by three qualifying launches, demonstrating both consistency and accuracy. Their impressive qualifying results included altitudes ranging from 785 to 819 feet and times from 34.89 to 40.80 seconds, with scores reflecting their precise engineering and teamwork:
- Qualifying Launch 1: Altitude: 819 feet | Time: 40.80 seconds | Score: 29.80
- Qualifying Launch 2: Altitude: 785 feet | Time: 34.89 seconds | Score: 29.44
- Qualifying Launch 3: Altitude: 806 feet | Time: 37.23 seconds | Score: 31.08
The rockets performed with remarkable consistency, showcasing the students’ attention to detail and commitment to the challenge. This interdisciplinary endeavor exemplifies Shady Side's commitment to real-world learning, as students applied their knowledge of physics, engineering, and mathematics to tackle a real-world problem.
The Rocketry Club eagerly awaits April, when they will learn if their scores qualify them for the National competition. Regardless of the outcome, their success in Grove City highlights the power of hands-on, problem-based learning to inspire creativity and innovation.