2012 K-12 Challenges
Please be advised that teams (2 – 5 students) not meeting the specifications of the challenge will be disqualified prior to the event. All rockets/gondolas should have the team’s name, school and district on the entry. One launch per teams (2 – 5 students). Events will take place on the Park Parade Field or in designated areas at designated times in the Cape Henlopen State Park.
Naming the Rocket: K - 12
Your team’s challenge is to propose a name for Delaware’s high-powered rocket to be launched on Launch Day. You are asked to provide the following information in your entry: Team Member’s Names, Sponsoring Teacher, School, District, Phone Number, Proposed Name, Sources Used for Research, Describe what your name means and any historical significance. (I.e.: the name Phoenix was a mythological bird which arose reborn from the ashes of its destruction) and explain why this name is appropriate and how it captures the spirit of the rocket launch. All entries mailed to Dr. Stephanie Wright, 5 Essex Drive Bear, DE 19701. Must be submitted the Thursday before Launch Day. Winning individual/teams will be displayed in the Main Tent & announced on Launch Day at 12:30 on the Parade Field.
Desiging a Logo: K - 12
Your team’s challenge is to design a logo for Delaware’s high-powered rocket to be launched on Launch Day. You are asked to provide the following information in your entry: Team Member’s Names, Sponsoring Teacher, School, District, Phone Number, Logo Design, Sources Used for Research, three paragraphs: Describe each part of your logo means/represents and any historical significance, explain why this logo is appropriate and how it captures the spirit of the rocket launch. All entries mailed to Dr. Stephanie Wright 5 Essex Drive Bear, DE 19701. Must be submitted the Thursday before Launch Day. Winning individual/teams will be displayed in the Main Tent & announced on Launch Day at 12:30 on the Parade Field.
Canister Rocket: K - 3
Your team’s challenge is to design, construct and test a rocket. Using a plastic 35-mm film canister with an internal-sealing lid as the core of the rocket, the team will construct a paper rocket around the canister. (Hint: Card Stock works best) You can test your rocket by following the countdown procedure in the diagram. Your rocket does not have to resemble the rocket in the diagram. Your final rocket will be judged on design, construction, originality and distance. On Launch Day, participating teams will arrive at 11:00 for registration & pre-launch judging. Launching will take place from 11:45 – 12:45 by Rockets for Schools Staff from the Official Canister Rocket Launch Pad inside the Main Tent. Antacid propellant will be provided to fuel your entry. Awards will be announced approximately 20 minutes after the event.
Gondola Challenge: 4 - 8
Your Team’s challenge is to design, construct and test a gondola that when attached to an on-site Official Rockets for Schools Helium Balloon will be capable of lifting as many large paper clips as possible while maintaining its highest possible height. (Ceiling of competition room) You can practice with a standard 9” diameter helium filled Mylar party balloon at school. On Launch & Lift Day, participating teams will arrive at 10:00 for registration (B & G Tent) & pre-test judging. Testing will take place from 10:20 – 11:00 in the Main Tent. Your team will be judged on design of gondola and the maximum number of large paper clips lifted to the desired height (ceiling of the room) within a 2-minute period. The balloon must rise to the ceiling and stay aloft with the load. Awards will be announced approximately 20 minutes after the event on the parade field.
Bottle Rocket: 4 - 8
Your team’s challenge is to design, construct and test a rocket made from one plastic 2-liter soda bottle. You are not permitted to use any materials such as metal parts, hot glues or super glues that could compromise the integrity of the plastic bottles. On Launch Day, participating teams will arrive at 9:00 for registration (B & G Tent) & pre-launch judging (Main Tent). Launching will take place from 10:00 – 11:30. Rockets will be launched by Rockets for Schools Staff from the Official Bottle Rocket Launch Pad located on the West Side of the Park Parade Field. Water and air pressure (approx. 40 psi, but not to exceed 75 psi) will be provided by the Rockets for School Staff at the official launch site. Your rocket will be disqualified if any parts fall off during the flight. Your rocket will be judged on construction, design and originality. Awards will be announced approximately 20 minutes after the event on the parade field.
Single Stage Rocket: 6 - 12
9:00 – 9:30 Register at Registration Tent
9:30 – 10:00 Rocket Judging
10:00 – 12:00 Launching of single stage rockets
Your team’s challenge is to construct, paint and then launch a single stage model rocket made from any commercially sold kit. All other entries will be disqualified. Your rocket will be judged on precise & neat construction and originality in paint design. Rockets will be registered, judged & launched by Rockets for Schools Staff from the Official Model Rocket Launch Pad located on the East Side of the Park Parade Field. Low power motors (1/2 A6-2, A8-3 & B6-2) will be provided at the launch site. Awards will be announced approximately 20 minutes after the event on the parade field.
Advanced Model Rocket: 9-12
(Exceptions considered on individual basis) Your team’s challenge is to construct and launch a special Rockets for Schools Advanced Model Rocket made by Public Missiles. The kit contains a payload section that will allow your team to design and fly a payload. On Launch Day, participating teams will arrive at 10:00 to first register at the Blue & Gold Tent and then set up for public display in the Main Tent. Pre-launch judging will take place at 10:30 in the Main Tent. Motors will be loaded starting at 11:00 on the East Field. Launching will take place from 12:15 – 1:15. Rockets will be launched by Rockets for Schools Staff from the Official Advanced Rocket Launch Pad located on the East Side of the Park Parade Field. Your rocket will be judged on overall precise & neat construction, design and construction of the payload and on the clarity of a board display, which will be exhibited for participants and the general public on Launch Day. The board display should include photos of the construction process with particular emphasis on the scientific/technological payload and why your team chose to fly that particular configuration. The kit will arrive at one site and we will arrange for pick up upon arrival. Awards will be announced approximately 20 minutes after the event on the parade field.