Rocket Scientist Visits Trinity Catholic Academy

On Thursday, June 10, 2010 Trinity Catholic Academy was host to a Rocket Scientist from Draper Laboratories in Cambridge. Mrs. Moore visited the Fourth Grade Classroom of Yvette Joyce at Trinity. Mrs. Joyce invited Mrs. Moore in the hopes of having a great culminating activity to their Space and Technology Unit. She was not disappointed.

The students enjoyed a brief lesson on how technology here on earth has been enhanced by things we have learned from developing things for space. The students also enjoyed several hands-on science activities. For the first activity, the students developed predictions on what would happen if a bottle containing vinegar (which was capped by a balloon) had baking soda added to it. Students made their predictions and then deposited the baking soda from the balloon into the vinegar bottle. The results were "expansive"!

Next, the students were allowed to experience what real astronauts do when they are at work. Each student had a turn to put on a helmet and gloves (all of which had been into outer space) and try to unscrew a bolt. A few of the students were successful, and all enjoyed trying.

After these activities, students were commissioned to build a structure that might be used as a type of space structure. As a model, they were given straws and an egg. Their task was to build a structure that could stand alone two inches off of the surface and hold the egg. Everyone made a great effort and a few children were able to build a viable "building".

When all was said and done, the students felt very inspired to reach for the stars!

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