Aerodynamics, Pressure and the Engineering Design Process: Students Build and Test Rockets

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Screenshot 2024-09-12 at 15.57.22On Thursday, tenth grade students had a “blast” – or “blast offs,” so to speak, as they test-launched water rockets as part of their Engineering Principles class. The launch was witnessed by excited third and fourth grade students who were at the upper campus and had a few minutes to watch in between their own enrichment classes.

Guided by teacher John Welch, sophomore students are learning about aerodynamics, pressure and the engineering design process. As part of their study, they used recycled plastic water bottles and other assorted materials to design and build water rockets.

“This was our first project of the year,” said Welch, “students had fun and got to test the concepts they’ve studied. You can only learn so much from research and thinking, then you have to try it out – see what works, what doesn’t work and what can be improved.”

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Nestled among the redwoods on 380 acres, Mount Madonna School (MMS) is a diverse learning community dedicated to creative, intellectual, and ethical growth. MMS supports its students in becoming caring, self-aware, discerning and articulate individuals; and believes a fulfilling life includes personal accomplishments, meaningful relationships and service to society. The program, accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville. Founded in 1979.

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