We Have Liftoff!
Fourth-graders reach for the skies!
Despite threatening skies, the rain held off just long enough for our fourth-graders to launch their rockets! After spending several class periods in the science and technology labs designing and building rockets from 2-liter soda bottles and cardboard, our young engineers were ready to put their creations to the test. Using water and pressurized air to propel their rockets skyward, students watched with excitement as their creations soared toward the clouds, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Science Specialist Deborah Landon and Computer Science Specialist Cristina Knodel led the fourth-graders through the final project of their space unit: design, build, and launch their own rockets. The students followed an exact design for the fins and nosecone—because, as the teachers reminded them, space exploration demands precision.
This year Ms. Landon added another scientific layer before launch day. She guided the students through a real experiment: How does the amount of water in the bottle affect how high the rocket flies? Each class tested levels from 20% to 60% at a steady 70 psi and used a tool to measure the apogee of every flight. Depending on wind and other variables, they found that 40–60% worked best—turning the project into a hands-on lesson in testing, measuring, and adjusting.
On launch day each team used an air pump to pressurize their rocket until it got too hard to pump; a parent or Mr. Patrick stepped in for the final pushes. Colored water made the water level easy to see and produced a bright blue stream of exhaust on takeoff. The three classes each had their own launch windows on the main field, with parents, staff, and other classes gathered to watch.
Students pulled the launch cord and watched their rockets fight gravity—an especially satisfying moment after all the careful preparation. The rockets are reusable, so each team got two flights. Between launches the fourth-graders were still acting like scientists, comparing notes with other teams about how much water they had used and deciding whether to adjust for the second try.
All but two launches ended with successful landings. A couple of rockets did find themselves stuck in tree branches; we’ll blame the wind for that.
As Ms. Landon put it, “Through wind and rain, our fourth-graders persevered and successfully launched their rockets.”
Jacksonville Country Day School
Located in Jacksonville, FL, Jacksonville Country Day School is a private school for Pre-K 3 through 5th grade. JCDS prepares students for a healthy and productive lifetime of intellectual exploration, character development, and social responsibility.
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