REDLANDS – Eyes were turned upward and jaws dropped as 15 young scientists put their knowledge to the test, launching handmade rockets at the University of Redlands.
The rocket-launching Friday was the culmination of a week-long day science camp held at the university. During the Champions Science Adventures Summer Camp, students from 5- to 12-years-old learned about astronauts, rockets, and Mars rovers, among other things.
“Every project is within the state standards for elementary school,” said lead teacher Kathy Booker. “Everything we do is very hands on They spent the week building rockets. Our theme this week is `Space and Rocketry.”‘
“We put it together piece by piece,” said Luc Emord, 9, of Redlands. “I’ve never made one before. The best part was spray painting it.”
The children and their parents and siblings met Friday on the lawn in front of the UR administration building to launch the solid fuel propelled rockets they made during the week.
“(Camp) was really fun,” said Keenan Koteira, 11, of Yucaipa. “I had fun building the rockets and rover. I think my rocket went about 80 feet.”
According to the camp, the rockets could reach heights of 200 feet, traveling up to 50 miles per hour.
Some were creative with their rockets, giving their classmates a surprise upon launch.
“I put a parachute man in mine,” said 7-year-old William Wang, of Loma Linda. “It was kind of a surprise to everyone, except my friend Steven, because he put a parachute man in too.”
To the despair of Williams, sitting impatiently at the launching controls, the parachute man never made it to the ground, and is detained in the branches of a UR tree.
Even those considered “old timers” were thrilled by the morning events.
“This is my third time (at Space and Rocketry camp),” said Silviu Andronescu, 10, of Highland. “It’s fun every year because they always make it different.”
The children also learned about and constructed Mars rovers during the week. Using K’nex, small motors, and other items, they made the miniature models capable of performing small tasks.
“I’d have to say the coolest part is the Anomemeter (to measure the wind),” Silviu, who wants to be an electrical engineer, said. “I made my own rover. It has six wheels, like any rover, an engine, an arm that bends so you can pick-up things like a small rock, and a cardboard solar panel, for looks.”
All the rockets, each launched individually by its maker as the other inventors watched, were successful, and students said they enjoyed not only seeing their creations soar, but learning how real rockets work and about famous astronauts.