“Three, two, one!” Sixth grader Ashlynne Weatherman counted down as her pink rocket shot into the sky behind Battle Ground Middle School. The launch was the finale of a hands-on technology project that challenged students to design, build and test their own rockets.

“My rocket had a pink cheetah print,” says Ashlynne. “It was really fun because we could decide what we wanted our rockets to look like.”

Students in Joshua Young’s technology class applied what they learned about physics, math and engineering as they constructed small air-pressure-powered paper rockets using a Pitsco kit. 

Student Cohen Clawson was excited to see his rocket 75 to 80 feet in the air. “My favorite part was launching and watching the rocket fly up,” says Cohen. “I loved having the opportunity to do this hands-on activity.”

The students worked in pairs to test variables like launch angle, fin design and pressure. 

“Sometimes you get to work with your best friend, and sometimes you get to work with someone new, but that gives you opportunities to make new friends,” Ashlynne says.

Families were invited to watch the launches, celebrating student effort, teamwork and achievement.

“Learning usually sticks better when it’s put into action,” says parent Mark Gregory. “It was great to see the kids’ excitement and all their hard work pay off.”

And just like that, the rockets began their descent, landing safely back on the grass about 10 feet from the launch pad. It’s a perfect ending to a project that lets students explore, create and watch their learning take flight.