They arent rocket scientists, but the education majors who launched rockets last week at the West Virginia University agronomy farm may one day propel their students to follow in the footsteps of Homer Hickam ofRocket Boysfame.
The students in Eric PylesThis IS Rocket Sciencesummer course have been designing and building rockets to gain a hands-on understanding of basic mathematical and scientific principles. Their efforts culminated in the launching of the rockets Monday (June 16), Wednesday (June 18) and Friday (June 20).
Some of these students are math and science teachers, and others will be teachers in the near future,said Pyle, an associate professor of science education in the College of Human Resources and Education.The purpose of this course is to show these practicing and aspiring teachers how to make math and science more interesting and more engaging, yet safe.
It was a science teacher who inspired Hickam, a Coalwood, W.Va. native whose interest in building a rocket as a teenager led to a career with NASA and the best-selling memoirRocket Boys.
In building their rockets, Pyles students learned that necessity truly is the mother of invention, a valuable lesson for teachers too familiar with shoestring budgets.
The crude rockets launched Wednesday afternoon consisted of cardboard tube bodies, balsa wood fins and plastic cone noses. Model rocket engine motors (small cartridges of black powder) served as fuel, and mini parachutes packed inside made for an easier landing. Studentsdesigns were tested in simulated flight on a computer prior to construction, ensuring they were stable and safe.
Although there were a few misfires, most of the rockets soared into the overcast sky when Pyle pressed thelift-offbutton on his 12-volt, attache case-sized launch controller 30 feet away. One rocket, calledThe Scrambler,nearly cleared a knoll to the left of the launch pad.
Sara Wolak, a Delaware native who is pursuing a masters degree in secondary education specializing in science, had a good day. Both of her rockets lifted off on their first try.
This has been a good course for incorporating various math and science principles, including physics and chemistry,Wolak said.
Travis Millers rocket with a glider attached blasted off on a second attempt. The glider separated from the rocket as it reached maximum height.
Miller, who teaches a physics lab at West Liberty State College, said courses such as Pyles are effective because they apply basic Newtonian physics laws regarding force, mass and acceleration.
The problem with getting students interested in science and math is trying to make it relate to real life,he said.The more its relevant to real life, the more people can understand.
While some students launched rockets, Stacy Berry and others calculated height, using makeshift measuring instruments consisting of a protractor, PVC pipe and compact discs marked in degrees.
This makes me appreciate NASA a great deal, just to see the magnitude of all that goes into making this come about,said Berry, a private teacher working on her masters degree in education.
Pyles class is one of more than 2,000 summer courses WVU is offering on-campus, off-campus and on the Web. The first summer session concludes Friday, June 27. Summer Session II is July 1 through Aug. 8. For more information about summer sessions, go to /www.wvu.edu/~summer/ .