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Report on high school model rocket demo (4/23/2000)
It was Monday, April 17th at 6:15 a.m., and, as I swilled a large
cup of coffee, I wondered out loud how the morning would go. Mark
told me not to sweat it, and we both finished packing his van and
left for Johnson High School. When we arrived, we were warmly
greeted and with some help from the students, quickly set up our
stuff.
The first part of the demonstration was held in the classroom.
With one of Carl Persson`s videos playing in the background, we
covered model rocket history, different types of rockets - cluster,
multistaged, etc. and tips for building and improving both kits and
scratchbuilt rockets. Afterwards, we all moved outside, set up pads,
and launched a variety of small and medium sized rockets. Nearly
every flight went well and we had a great captive audience.
When we were finished, we were thanked and then....stayed for a
repeat performance, giving our demo to a total of about 55 kids and
one impressed Air Force colonel. As Mark and I packed to leave, we
both agreed that the demo went about as well as it could have. Most
of these kids were just great and both of us were happy we did that
demonstration on that day!
(Mike Martens & Mark Thell) [ed. Alan Estenson]
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