“To keep the students interested in physics at the end of the year, we build rockets,” said physics teacher Tom Wylie, who retired at the end of the school year.

Wylie continued, “The seniors already had their final exam. This was an opportunity for the juniors who were left to apply what they had learned.”

According to the students, they learned many things in the process of building and then launching their rockets.

In terms of physics, Adelle Oswald said, “While building rockets in physics class, I learned how to calculate an accurate estimation of the rocket’s altitude.”

Caleb Gauvin added, “During the rocket project, we needed to use specific instructions in order for the rocket to be launched correctly. I also learned more about how the parachute releases and is able to drag the rocket towards the ground.”

“If you use pointed fins, the rocket will be more aerodynamic,” observed Griffin Hamel.

Dalton Milledge’s lesson was about safety being a top priority. He reported, “I learned that hot glue burns skin.”

For some students, the lesson was about seeing the fruits of their labors.

Tom Marshall said, “The rocket was fun to build and really cool to see your work in action.”

Brandon Gill had similar feelings. “I learned that building something and seeing it work is a great feeling.”

Finally, some students simply had fun.

Jacob O’Leary said, “I learned that science is fun. Seriously, I didn’t learn anything new. I just applied what I already knew.”

“I learned that model rockets are fun,” added Brad Marshall.

The end-of-the-year project certainly kept the students interested and helped them to learn many lessons.