A recent project at Irving Branch Elementary School on Edwards AFB involved students constructing and launching 12 rockets. This hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) project allowed students to apply their classroom learning to real-world experiences.
At the beginning of the project, students learned about the different parts of a rocket and how they work together. They carefully followed instructions to build functional rockets, working through mistakes and problem-solving along the way. Persistence and determination were essential in the building process.
Once the rockets were constructed, students painted and named them, adding an artistic element to the STEM project. This encouraged creativity, self-expression, communication, and collaboration among student teams.
The culmination of the project was witnessing the launch of their rockets from a safe distance. As each rocket soared into the sky before returning to earth, students experienced a sense of fulfillment and excitement. Observing the unique performance of each rocket prompted critical thinking and analysis among the students.
Overall, this project not only provided an engaging learning experience but also instilled a growth mindset in the students that will benefit them in their future endeavors.
