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National Association of Rocketry
Educator's Newsletter
June 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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No Longer On Hold
Launching a model rocket in the last year wasn’t effected by the pandemic as it is always done outside with the participants safely distanced. But assembling the class for going to the launch field, particularly after school, and coordinating transportation was a bit problematic; so, the countdown for flying has been on hold for quite a while. Now the country is starting to come out of the shadow of contagion and edge back to what we need to be doing and that’s teaching with hands on activities. The 2020-21 school year is gone; but, the one starting this fall can include rocketry in the classroom again, along with students in the classroom again. The NAR educator resources can continue to serve you well, either with the online material or support through the local clubs. The skies are clear again, let’s get out and fly!
Aim high!
Vince Huegele
NAR Education Chairman
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2021 and 2022 The American Rocketry Challenge (TARC)
It's TARC Finals time!
The cutoff score for making the top 100 this year was 37.06, pretty respectable considering the circumstances. It was 36 in 2019, our last "normal" year before COVID and, of course, we were unable to do a Finals at all in 2020. There were a few schools with more than 2 teams making scores better than this; but, per rules, only the top 2 of those from any single school or organization can be invited to participate in the Finals. Members from these other teams can be added to the 2 teams that did get the invitation, though, up to a team size limit of 10.
The next steps for the selected teams are to pick one of the 11 "Distributed Finals" sites across the US; then pick whatever days between June 12 and 20 that site is holding the Finals flying; and, finally, select a 3-hour "launch window" during which they will make two flights for score. These sites can be seen HERE.
The teams had to commit by May 30, or yield their spot to one of the 30 ranked alternates and all 100 of the primary selectees found a way to get to one of the Finals sites. We are doing this distributed form of a Finals to avoid having large numbers of people all gathering in one place or having to travel by public transportation. There will be no more than 8 teams on the field at a time at any of these sites and, in most cases, far fewer. We are very concerned about protecting everyone's health safety.
The first flight the team makes during their chosen 3-hour window at their Finals launch must be to 775 feet/39-42 seconds, and the second must be to 825 feet/41-44 seconds. Both of these are different from the qualification objective of 800 feet/40-43 seconds, but this will not be a problem for teams who know their rocket science! There will be one officially-appointed and trained "NAR observer" at each of these sites who will record and submit the scores (Finals score is the sum of these two flights), and we will announce the TARC 2021 winners on June 28.
A big "thank you" to the 11 NAR sections who agreed to do all the work of hosting one of these Finals events. In many cases they scheduled an additional launch specifically to support TARC and, in all cases, they are providing the equipment, range crew, and hospitality for teams who are mostly strangers from out of town -- the young people who are the reason we all do TARC. We could not have had a flying-based TARC Finals in this awful COVID year without the support of these NAR sections. This is truly "paying forward" and it is what the NAR does.
We will announce the rules for TARC 2022 at the TARC 2021 Awards ceremony (an online public event) at 2 PM (Eastern) on June 28, and very much look forward to getting back to a more normal year with an in-person National Finals for everyone at Great Meadow the weekend of May 14-16, 2022.
Thank you for all you have done in this difficult year to help the young people in TARC learn rocketry and fly safely.
Stay safe,
NAR 4322 L3
TARC Manager
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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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NASA Makes Finding Teaching Materials Easy
Education Materials Finder
NASA's Education Materials Finder will help teachers locate resources
that can be used in the classroom. Users may search by keywords,
grade level, product type and subject. With hundreds of publications and Web sites
NASA's Adventures in Rocket Science Educator's Guide
This guide contains 25 activities designed for 4-H Clubs, Boys and Girls Clubs, Boy
Scouts, Girl Scouts, after-school programs, and other informal education venues.
Participants learn about the history and principles of rocketry and NASA's newest
rockets -- Ares I and Ares V. While doing these hands-on activities, participants
also learn about Hero Engines, parachutes and surface area, altitude tracking, and
Newton's Laws Of Motion. Learners can also build four types of rockets and two
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Innovation Now
How about a daily 90 second radio program that features highlights in aeronautics and aeronautics technology, science, history, innovations, research, and inventions from the aerospace industry? Try this one out! www.innovationnow.us
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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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Civil Air Patrol (CAP)
Aerospace Library
Dedicated to promoting and sharing Aviation, Air Force, CAP & NASA History, the folks at the Civil Air Patrol have put together a fantastic library of rocketry resources! Check it out! CAP is a partner with NAR and supports TARC with many teams.
Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Promotes and Supports Aerospace Education
CAP rocketry 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 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 materials and lessons plans from CAP.
Collectively, we can have a remarkable impact on a partnering national organization. Take the time to contact a local Civil Air Patrol squadron near you and Pay Forward! You can find a local squadron by entering your zip code or city and state in the online unit locator. Each of these squadrons would welcome your insights and camaraderie! Additionally, the Civil Air Patrol has an Advanced Rocketry Program (and Guide) for those folks who enjoy High Power Rocketry as well as Mid and Low Power...It's a great opportunity to share experiences and Pay Forward!
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Rocketry School Supplies Provided by Donors
As teachers, you know your students' needs best. Donorschoose.org is available to provide an avenue for public school teachers to submit project requests for the specific materials their students need to learn. As their name implies, donors choose which projects to support. Once a project is funded, they deliver the materials directly to the school. In return, teachers submit photos of the project in use and thank-you notes from students, which are then sent to the project's donors.
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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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The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
The North Carolina School of Science and Math Summer Accelerator Program extends to a global audience our 30 years of experience offering innovative courses and opportunities to talented high school students.
The Accelerator program offers unique, high-level courses in an innovative format that incorporates both residential, hands-on learning and online education. This summer, explore aerospace engineering by designing and launching your own rocket. Analyze the connection between music and math and compose your own work in Music of the World and the Math Behind It. Uncover the secrets of the dead and real-world excavation methodology in Death and Burial Around the World.
Highly skilled faculty focus their talents on building upon the strengths of high-achieving students in advanced science and math topics in the classroom. Student Life Instructors offer a valuable resource and help provide a safe and enjoyable residential experience for students out of the classroom. NCSSM crafts unique college-level academic experiences, as a constituent and flagship high school of the University of North Carolina system, in a setting designed specifically for high school students.
Explore complex topics, collaborate with peers from around the globe, and get hands-on experience that will kick start college readiness and career interests this summer.
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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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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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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
Promote STEM with Reach For The Stars - National Rocket Competition
There is still time to get your kids into the Reach for the Stars - National Rocket Competition. The deadline for entering is August 31st, which gives museums, schools, scouts and youth groups enough time to get their supplies and run a local event. This year's Competition was kicked off by famed author Homer Hickam in Coalwood, West Virginia at the October Sky Festival - with the original "Rocket Boys" giving the countdown.
Special pricing makes the Competition very affordable. In most cases the cost of the rocket kit, supplies for two launches, achievement certificate and Competition registration is less than the list price of the rocket kit alone. A step-by-step video and on-line help, supplied free with order, are available to guide you. The Competition is for ages 10 to adult, with three levels determined by age. Time and supplies are limited, so get started now! More information is at TheRocketman.net.
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Space History:
3 June 1965: Astronaut Edward H. White II became the first American to perform what in NASA parlance is referred to as an Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA). In everyday terms; a spacewalk.
White, Mission Commander James A. McDivitt and their Gemini IV spacecraft were launched into low Earth orbit by a two-stage Titan II launch vehicle from LC-19 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The mission clock started at 15:15:59 UTC on Thursday, 03 June 1965.
On the third orbit, less than five hours after launch, White opened the Gemini IV starboard hatch. He stood in his seat and mounted a camera to capture his historic space stroll. He then cast-off from Gemini IV and became a human satellite.
White was tethered to Gemini IV via a 15-foot umbilical providing oxygen and communications to his EVA suit. A gold-plated visor on his helmet protected his eyes from the searing glare of the sun. The space-walking astronaut was also outfitted with a hand-held maneuvering unit using compressed oxygen to power its small thrusters. And, like any good tourist, he also took along a camera. He had the time of his all-too-brief life in the 22 minutes he walked in space. The sight of the earth, the spacecraft, the sun, the vastness of space, the freedom of movement all combined to make him exclaim at one point, "I feel like a million dollars!".
Presently, it was time to get back into the spacecraft. But, couldn't he just stay outside a little longer? NASA Mission Control and Commander McDivitt were firm. It was time to get back in; now! He grudgingly complied with the request/order, plaintively saying: "It's the saddest moment of my life!" As Ed White got back into his seat, he and McDivitt struggled to lock the starboard hatch. Both men were exhausted, but ebullient as they mused about the successful completion of America's first spacewalk.
Gemini IV would eventually orbit the Earth 62 times before splashing-down in the Atlantic Ocean at 17:12:11 GMT on Sunday, 07 June 1965. The 4-day mission was another milestone in America's quest for the moon. The mission was over and yet Ed White was still a little tired. But this was really quite easy to understand. In the time he was working outside the spacecraft, Gemini IV had traveled almost a third of the way around the Earth...Now, that's a long walk!
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18 June 1983: Sally Kristen Ride became the first American woman to go into space when she flew on the space shuttle Challenger (STS-7) as a mission specialist, NASA's seventh shuttle mission. The mission returned to Earth on June 24. Tasks on the mission included launching communications satellites for Canada and Indonesia. The astronauts also conducted the first successful satellite deployment and retrieval in space using the shuttle's robotic arm. During the flight, Ride became the first woman to operate the shuttle's robotic arm.
Ride's history-making Challenger mission was not her only spaceflight. She also became the first American woman to travel to space a second time when she launched on another Challenger mission, STS-41-G, on Oct. 5, 1984. The mission lasted nine days. On this flight, she used the shuttle's robotic arm to remove ice from the shuttle's exterior and to readjust a radar antenna. Ride was assigned to a third shuttle mission, but her crew's training was cut short by the Challenger disaster in January 1986. Ride died of cancer in 2012.
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30 June 2004: It took seven years for Cassini to make the trip from Earth's surface to Saturn's orbit. The two-story-tall spacecraft reached Saturn on June 30, 2004, to begin unprecedented surveys of the planet and its brilliant rings, along with Saturn's eclectic system of moons. As the mission came to a close, NASA opted to plunge the spacecraft into Saturn to prevent it from accidentally contaminating one of the moons if it were left to drift around in space.
Cassini also carried a second spacecraft along with it, a probe called Huygens, released to study the moon Titan up close. Huygens parachuted to the surface of the moon, relaying data on conditions there until its batteries ran out.
Cassini, built and operated from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in 1997 atop a Titan IVB rocket. The launch capped months of processing on the spacecraft and booster to make sure everything would work correctly on launch day and Cassini would be set on its correct path. The Titan IVB rocket was NASA's largest expendable booster at the time.
Despite the size of the rocket, Cassini would still take seven years to reach Saturn. It would fly a precise path through the inner solar system building up speed by passing near Venus and Earth so it could slingshot out beyond Mars and Jupiter to rendezvous with Saturn. Getting on this path correctly at the start was the focus of the launch team...The payoff was a wealth of photos and data of one of the solar system's most captivating locations!
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