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National Association of Rocketry
Educator's Newsletter
August 2021
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In this issue:
2021 and 2022 The American Rocketry Challenge (TARC)
RESOURCES
INSPIRING OTHERS
Space History
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Because We Want to Go
There’s been a lot of excitement recently in the space news with the successful launches of Jeff Bezos in his Blue Origin New Shepard and Richard Branson in his Virgin Galactic Unity. Why would two of the richest entrepreneurs in the world spend so much of their money to fly on rockets? They’ve already got power, fame, and glory. Would it be to taunt Elon Musk? Maybe it’s because going into space is still one of the most incredible and exciting things a person can do. And working in the aerospace industry is a fascinating experience. “My expectations were high and they were dramatically exceeded,” Bezos said of his flight. Some people are still explorers and want to reach for the stars. “We’re here to make space more accessible to all,” Branson said. “If you ever had a dream, now is the time to make it come true.” We need pioneers to blaze a trail for those that want to follow. The followers could be some of your students, which is why you are teaching STEM. “We’re going to build a road to space so our kids and their kids can build the future,” Bezos said. “We need to do that to solve the problems here on Earth.” Your kids will build this future; but, first, help them to build and launch a model rocket!
Aim high!
Vince Huegele
NAR Education Chairman
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2021 and 2022 The American Rocketry Challenge (TARC)
Oregon Episcopal School of Portland, Oregon topped 614 rocketry teams from across America to take home the top prize at the world’s largest student rocketry competition, earning the title of 2021 National Champion! They were flying in their first TARC Finals!
After the COVID-19 pandemic caused the cancellation of the 2020 competition, 100 finalist teams from 27 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands competed for $100,000 in prizes at the 2021 National Finals, distributed across 10 launch sites around the country between June 11th and 20th. The prize pool was split among the top five teams, with Oregon Episcopal School taking home the top prize of $20,000. Additional prizes were awarded for teams who showcased STEM and branding principles in separate marketing and presentation awards. The top 25 finishers received an invitation to participate in NASA’s Student Launch initiative to continue their exploration of rocketry with high-powered rockets and challenging mission parameters.
Unfortunately, the International Rocketry Challenge follow-on event, where they would have flown against the winning teams from the national versions of TARC in England, France, Japan, and the Ukraine at the Paris Air Show was not held this year, because the Paris show and every other nation's TARC program (except ours) were cancelled due to COVID. They will be back in 2022.
TARC 2022 registration opens on September 1 and the Finals are on May 14, 2022. The rules and all the supporting material (Handbook, etc.) have been posted.
The key changes are:
- Payload is two eggs, flying "sideways" inside the rocket (so the egg section must be at least 59mm in diameter, which is bigger than T-70)
- Flight performance goals are 835 feet altitude and a duration of 41 to 44 seconds
- All parts must remain connected together for recovery
- Recovery may be by any safe means, recovery device type is not specified
- Rocket must use body tubes of two different diameters for its main structure, one of which must contain the eggs and the other the motor(s), and each must be at least 6 inches long
- Other design requirements (650 gram mass limit, 650mm length minimum, 80 N-sec power limit) remain unchanged
Stay safe,
NAR 4322 L3
TARC Manager
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NAR Scholarship Program, Robert L. Cannon Award, and Extracurricular Activity Grant Awards
Did you know that if you are a NAR member between the ages of 17 and 22 attending college or a vocational school that you may be eligible to receive a scholarship?
Are you a teacher or educator who uses model rocketry in the classroom? You are welcome to apply for a $500 grant to use in your program.
In 2001, the NAR's scholarship and Robert L. Cannon educational awards were inaugurated. Three NAR members received scholarships and two educators received Cannon awards. Over the years the number of award winners have grown. In 2015, a new program, the NAR Extracurricular Activity Grant (EAG) was initiated to provide up to ten $500 grants for after-school activities, such as rocket clubs, scout, Civil Air Patrol, 4-H, or NAR section programs involving model rocketry. TARC teams are not eligible for these awards. This year we awarded ten $2000 scholarships, six $1000 scholarships, six Cannon $500 grants, and one Extracurricular Activity Grant (EAG).
Congratulations to our 2021 award winners!
Gleda M. Estes Scholarship for the Advancement of Young Women in STEM ($3,000)
Rebecca Zurek, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Aerospace Engineering
Len Fehskens Memorial Scholarship Recipient ($2,000)
Harlem Lilley, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Aerospace Engineering
NAR Scholarship Recipients ($2,000)
Sarah Alexander, Penn State Erie – Biology
Jason Brown, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Aerospace Engineering
Jenna Butler, Aurora University, Chemistry and Mathematics
Elizabeth Fineberg, University of Illinois, Computer Science and Music
Haley Kampert, United States Military Academy, Mechanical Engineering
Gabriel Mills, Virginia Tech, Electrical Engineering
Alex Saunders, University of Rochester, Mechanical Engineering
Teresa Tomasino, Oakland University, Mechanical Engineering
Natasha Wilson, Brigham Young University, Mechanical Engineering
Andrew Yerkey, Cedarville University, Mechanical Engineering
Robert Cannon Educator Grants ($500)
Rick Heggan, Medford Lakes Neeta School, Medford NJ
Robyn Jackson, Challenger Learning Center, Columbia SC
David Maloney, LaSalle Institute, Troy NY
Mary McFetridge, North Pole High School, North Pole AK
NAR Extracurricular Activity Grants ($500)
Jay Harris, Temple Christian School Eagle Rocketry Club, Forth Worth TX
Robin Houston, Chesapeake Math & IT High School, Upper Marlboro MD
Mike O'Connell, Chester Area Middle School, Chester SD
Alan Pritchard, Waccamaw High School, Pawleys Island SC
Michelle Riordan, Egg Harbor Township Police Activities League, Egg Harbor Township NJ
Wacey Stavinoha, Bobby Shaw Middle School, Pasadena TX
Daniel Wheelock, Aerospace Club, Las Vegas NV
Jeff Woodhams, Red Lion School District, Red Lion PA
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Interested in a Fellowship this Summer?
Industry Initiatives for Science and Math Education (IISME), founded in 1985, seeks to transform teaching and learning through industry-education partnerships. IISME exists to address the critical need for a strong, highly skilled workforce in math, science and technological fields. IISME recruits sponsors in California from Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz Counties. The majority of Fellowships are offered in the Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara and San Jose Area.
This industry-education partnership focuses on teachers as the primary agents for effecting meaningful change in mathematics and science education. IISME provides teachers with experiences and tools they need to adapt their practices and change their schools so that all students are prepared to be lifelong learners, responsible citizens and productive employees. http://www.igniteducation.org/
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Adventures in Rocket Science Educator Guide
The "Adventures in Rocket Science Educator Guide" is available for download from the NASA website.
Education specialists from the Marshall Space Flight Center created this curriculum with members of the NAR. The material was tested in a workshop pairing NAR members in the MSFC area with informal educators from science centers, 4-H clubs, Girl Scout troops and after-school programs to introduce the groups to how to use the guidebook with students in informal settings. The Guide has activities for grades K-12 and serves as a program to progressively prepare students for participating in TARC.
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Estes
Apogee
Apogee Components has an extensive educator's page and a remarkable newsletter archive http://www.apogeerockets.com/Education. If you want to subscribe to their newsletter just look at the right hand column of the Educator's page and you will see the sign-up section.
eRockets
eRockets has a dedicated web site full of tips for educators! Designed for educators wanting to introduce this safe, educational, and fun hobby to their students, it's especially focused on the classroom educator, scout leader, church leader, 4-H Leader, or space enthusiast who wants to incorporate model rocketry into a group activity.
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National Association of Rocketry
Teachers and Youth Group Leaders Resources
The NAR offers Free Resource downloads produced by members who have
helped teachers and youth group leaders like yourself all over the United
States. See if any match what you had in mind for your course!
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American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
STEM K-12 Outreach
What is Aerospace Engineering? Aerospace engineering is the branch of engineering focused on the design, construction, and testing of aircraft and spacecraft. It is broken into two major overlapping disciplines: aeronautical engineering (for vehicles that stay within Earth's atmosphere) and astronautical engineering (for vehicles that travel beyond Earth's atmosphere). Aerospace engineering applies the fascinating science behind the forces of nature and the physical properties of aircraft, rockets, and spacecraft. Check out these STEM K-12 resources.
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narTcert
NAR will provide "narTcert" to any NAR member who is a professional classroom teacher with or without a science/math background, an educator teaching an after school program, a home school teacher or an informal educator with a youth organization. This means the opportunity is open to anyone who wants to teach rocketry on any level. The educator can be a total beginner or an experienced flyer, but both will have to undergo the certification process to be identified by NAR as being qualified to launch with students. Get started today.
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Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC)
TARC and AFJROTC
Get to know your AFJROTC Unit Commander or their education officer and see how you might work together to promote model rocketry. To find your local unit, look here and the search engine will generate a map with unit locations and contact information. You can also do a simple web search to find the many AFJROTC rocket activities. Alternatively, for more information on AFJROTC, contact AFJROTC Headquarters, 60 West Maxwell Blvd., Maxwell AFB, AL 36112-6501; by phone 1-334-953-7513, or online. AFJROTC is a partner with NAR and supports TARC with many teams.
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American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
High School Student Memberships
The AIAA is excited to announce a new level of membership for high school students. Designed exclusively for students in 6th through 12th grades, the free AIAA High School Membership provides activities, competitions, and scholarships that will promote STEM and STEAM educational programs. Students can become members today at aiaa.org/hs. “We are thrilled to welcome students into AIAA at the earliest stages of their academic journey – during high school. We are committed to helping guide these students along their paths to a rewarding aerospace career,” said Dan Dumbacher, AIAA Executive Director. “These budding aerospace scientists and engineers can gain experience, mentorship, and access to resources to help them succeed. AIAA will serve as their vital lifelong link to reliable resources and growth opportunities.
AIAA’s goal is to promote equality of knowledge and opportunity from the start for all students. We see this membership opportunity as part of our outreach to help build a future aerospace workforce that represents the diversity of perspective and thought needed in the industry. The aerospace industry must embrace diversity of all forms in order to meet the challenges of the future.”
The new AIAA High School Membership complements the free AIAA Educator Associate Membership offered to K-12 teachers, which helps enhance and solidify the impact of teachers on the future of aerospace.
· AIAA Mentor Match. This unique program helps students find, connect, and gain insights on how to succeed in aerospace by matching them with professional members.
· STEM-focused webinars and on-demand content. This content is inspired by students, for students.
· AIAA Engage. This exclusive community platform connects students with peers and provides access to the High School Student Library.
· Design competitions. Students can compete in annual design challenges spanning the aerospace technical fields.
· Online subscription to Aerospace America. Get in-depth insight on the subject matter shaping the aerospace industry with this monthly digital publication.
Discounts to AIAA forums and events. Save on AIAA forums and professional development seminars that provide students with opportunities to network with professional members who will be a lifelong link to the aerospace community.
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National Association of Rocketry
Junior Member Science Fair Contest
NAR Junior members: Have you done a science fair project that involves model rocketry? If so, you can enter your project into the NAR Junior Member Science Fair Contest. Up to six winners will receive free NAR membership renewals including First Class delivery of Sport Rocketry magazine! If you don’t have a science fair project involving model rocketry, start thinking ahead to next year, because the NAR will run this same contest next year. Go to: https://www.nar.org/nar-junior-member-science-fair-contest/ for contest rules and information.
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4-H
Uses Model Rocketry for Science, Technology, Engineering
and Math (STEM)
Rocketry is one of the most enjoyable projects 4-H has to offer. 4-H
and the National Association of Rocketry have formed a partnership
to help students learn about model rocketry and STEM.
Rocketry School Enrichment and After School Enrichment Program
This program helps students meet Pennsylvania Academic Standards in science. 4-H project books are available for Delaware County, Pennsylvania classroom teachers, home school families, and after school clubs to use with students.
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CAP
Promotes and Supports Aerospace Education
CAP educational programs (for its own members and the general
public) help prepare American citizens to meet the challenges of a
sophisticated aerospace society and understand its related issues. CAP and the national Association of rocketry have formed a partnership to
help students learn about model rocketry and STEM.
National Standards-based Products
CAP offers national standards-based educational products, including a
secondary textbook, Aerospace: The Journey of Flight, and the middle-school-
level Aerospace Dimensions. Aerospace Education Members can get classroom
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Estes
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring
Established by the White House in 1995, this Presidential award recognizes U.S. citizens, permanent residents and organizations that have demonstrated excellence in mentoring individuals from groups that are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and workforce. These STEM groups include women, people with disabilities, underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities, individuals from low socio-economic backgrounds and geographic regions like urban and rural areas. The PAESMEM program is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
LOC Precision
Rockets for Schools
On May 3 & 4, 1996, 240 students participated in the first state-based Rockets For Schools program. NASA Administrator Dan Goldin addressed the students along with Astronaut Col. Mark Lee. Students were briefed on the different aspects of the launch and were given a tour of the different launch stations. 12,000 people were in attendance, as Sheboygan, Wisconsin became the first inland sub-orbital launch site.
Since 1996, we have had over 20 successful secondary school launches involving students from Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and Iowa but participation is open to all U.S. students in grades from 6 through 12. This event provides an opportunity for students to participate in aerospace technology and rocket launches: to learn about rocket construction and to perform as part of a team.
Rockets For Schools is a fun and exciting way for kids to learn about space technologies while providing them with an opportunity to be part of an extraordinary team-building event. Additionally, Rockets for Schools is the only other NASA Student Launch Initiative qualifier outside of TARC. For more information write to Rockets For Schools, P. O. Box 684 Sheboygan, WI 53082-0684, call (920) 458-6299, or email Carol Lutz and Kenny Bergschultz.
Fun 2 Discover
Fun 2 Discover provides interactive STEAM based learning tools and resources.
Fun 2 Discover encourages students to learn Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) through a unique, incentive-based points system.
The more STEAM you learn, the more POINTS you earn!
Fun2Discover encourages our users to get involved with Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics through a unique, incentive-based points system and contests.
Every STEAM-based activity on Fun2Discover can earn our members points, earn enough points and you could win great STEAM prizes. For more information contact STEAM Club Strategies, Inc., Fun2Discover, Harbourside Center, 110 Front Street, Suite 343,
Jupiter, Florida, 33477 or call 800-896-8716
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Space History
August 12, 1960: NASA launched its first communications satellite, Echo 1. Echo 1 rode to space on a Thor-Delta rocket from Vandenberg Air Force base, California. The satellite transmitted a signal from President Dwight D. Eisenhower across the nation, demonstrating the feasibility of global communications via satellites. Echo 1 was the largest and most visible satellite for its time; however, it was quickly superseded by active-repeater communication satellites such as Telstar.
August 21-29, 1965: NASA launched Gemini V on a Titan II rocket. Several records were set during this eight day orbital flight: the longest manned flight; largest amount of time in space; and a new altitude record for an American spacecraft. Astronaut Gordon Cooper was the first man to make a second orbital flight and, consequently, accumulated a record amount of spaceflight for one individual.
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August 27, 1985: NASA launched space shuttle Discovery (STS-51I) from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla. The shuttle deployed three communications satellites and retrieved, repaired and re-launched the TELSAT-1 Communications Satellite, Syncom IV-3.
August 9, 2000: The European Space Agency launched the second pair of Cluster II mission satellites, named Rumba and Tango, aboard a Soyuz-Fregat rocket from Russia's Baikonur Cosmodrome. The Cluster mission used simultaneous measurements from four satellites to provide detailed analysis of the effects of solar wind on Earth's magnetic field. The mission is still in effect today and has resulted in around 1000 scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.
August 12, 2005: NASA launched the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla. aboard the first Atlas V rocket used for an interplanetary mission. The ongoing mission was to map the physical features of Mars, including its atmosphere and its subterranean layering.
August 22, 2010: Science fiction writer Ray Bradbury was born 100 years ago on this day in Waukegan, Ill. He wrote "The Martian Chronicles" published in 1949. Among his poems is one inspired by a trip to NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla. where he compared his tour of the Saturn hanger to "walking around inside Shakespeare's head."
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