July
7, 2005
Rockets
Boost Science Skills
Rocketry Camp Has Built-In Fun Factor
By COURTNEY
CAIRNS PASTOR
cpastor@tampatrib.com
Reprinted
with permission from the Tampa Tribune
CARROLLWOOD - Tom Bronson had toyed with model rockets as a child
and enjoyed it, so when Independent Day School came looking for
summer camp ideas, Bronson was prepared.
Adam Frisco, 10, learns about what goes into building a rocket with help
from Bronson. |
Nine years later, he still leads model rocketry camp at the private
school, watching over students as they figure out blueprints and
assemble minishuttles and seeing their glee when their creations
fly.
"It’s a neat process, because there’s definitely
math involved, and there’s definitely science involved," Bronson
said.
Rocket kits range in difficulty and suit elementary and middle
school children while slipping in academics and teamwork lessons.
Bronson, a math teacher at Independent Day, talks to the students
about parabolas and flight patterns and measures elevation with
an altimeter.
But it’s summer camp, and fun is the first priority.
Hannah Harley, 11, and teacher Tom Bronson watch a Shuttle Express rocket
take off from its pad. Bronson, a math instructor, leads model rocketry
camp at Independence Day School.
|
Hannah Harley, 11, applied glue to her rocket, a complicated model
with detachable parts that would parachute to the ground. The Cambridge
School incoming sixth-grader watched a launch Tuesday, worked on
her rocket Wednesday and sent it off Friday. It’s cool, she
said.
Alex Mabie, who attends Martinez Middle School, said he hadn’t
put together a rocket but wasn’t having trouble following
the directions. He plays with Legos sometimes, he said, which might
help.
"I’ve never launched anything before," said Alex,
11. "I’ve always wanted to try rocketry."
Reporter Courtney Cairns Pastor can be reached at (813) 865-1503.
Copyright © 2005, The Tampa Tribune and may not be republished
without permission. E-mail library@tampatrib.com
Photo Captions: Tribune photos by CANDACE C. MUNDY
Courtney Cairns Pastor
The Tampa Tribune
Northwest Hillsborough education reporter
cpastor@tampatrib.com
(813) 865-1503
|
