BBy DEBBIE ROSEN
"The wind velocity varies from four to over 10 miles per hour today," said Devin Lavore. "If the wind hits 15 miles per hour, it will be too strong for the rockets. The temperature reads 43 degrees, but with the wind chill, we're looking at just around 35 degrees outside." While the students could brave the cold, the wind kept them from going outdoors and launching their rockets, an experiment they used to see if the rockets are effective.
Thirteen-year-old Steven Hahn, Devin Lavore, and Anthony Caggia used the Oceanside Middle School weather station to diagnose if conditions were just right to test rockets they built in the school's Science Research Program. The program is a hands-on learning experience for more than 60 students in the seventh and eighth grade. While seventh graders follow a more structured program, eight graders chose a project with the approval of their teacher and science chairperson, Les Milch. The success of the program can be seen by the enthusiasm of the children who eagerly attend the forty- minute class and don't want to leave.
"This is the best way to learn something," said Mr. Milch, a teacher for 32 years in the district. "The students are here because they expressed a real interest in science. Since they want to be here, they learn and have fun. I find I'm learning right along with them."
Across from the computer lab is the science research lab. The students walk in and help themselves to the many multi-colored rockets they've built and continue to adjust. Ever so carefully, these three students take their projects off the shelves and place them on a large flat table, getting right down to business.
With a rayon parachute in one hand and a rocket built from a cardboard tube in the other, Anthony puts the finishing touches on the oaktag nose cone, before attaching it to the rest of his project. His interest in rocketry came from a hobby he shares with his dad. The program affords him the opportunity to take his hobby to a higher level of learning.
"I'm testing the efficiency of the parachute, depending on the size and weight of my rocket," said Anthony. "You need a parachute because these rockets can go up to 1,000 feet high and without one, the rocket would hit the ground so hard, it would break," added the young scientist.
Atop their work space are many pieces, but the students explain clearly and concisely the need for each and every part. A yellow launchpad stands ready for a day when the weather is more inviting. Holding a rectangular battery in hand, Steven explains the power that fuels the rockets.
"The two clips on this battery power source are attached to the rockets and when we push the button, it ignites the engine, which burns and propels the rocket up into the air," said Steven. The engine is a small cylindrical tube placed inside the rocket, holding a miniscule amount of gunpowder. Steven's interest in rockets and science came from six years of experience he gained at sleep away camp.
Students build their rockets from kits ordered by the school and they adjust them using research. Mr. Milch provides the expertise and sugggestions for improvements and further testing. Anthony adjusts the inside of the base of his rocket when his teacher said it was too small. Steven straightened out the fins on his, on Mr. Milch's suggestion, allowing his to fly straight instead of to the side.
While the students continue to work toward a finished product, their research will be entered into the Long Island Science Congress this March in Farmingdale. Other competitions students may participate in include the Science Olympiad, a state-wide event also held in March and The Technology 500 Competition coming in April.
As they choose to build rockets, other students in the program show an interest in other areas, and are currently building a roller coaster from toy pieces, while some study genetics by growing fruit flies.
