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Two students blew the competition away in the water rocket event at the Georgia Elementary Science Olympiad.
The team of Andrew Lakly and Mitchell Watt, fifth graders at Crabapple Lane Elementary, took first place and were named champions of the event. First place is awarded to the team whose rocket stays aloft for the longest period of time. Andrew and Mitchell’s rocket stayed in the air for 34.5 seconds, a full second longer than the second place team.
Water rockets help students understand the principals of aeronautics. The rockets are constructed from two-liter plastic soda bottles that are propelled by air pressure and water. Designing water rockets is a complex process with many variables to consider such as structure and function of the fins, nose, cone, and parachute.
One of the most difficult challenges is determining how much water to put into the bottle. Too much water will cause the rocket to be too heavy to fly; too little water will result in not enough energy to keep it flying.
The team of Andrew Lakly and Mitchell Watt, fifth graders at Crabapple Lane Elementary, took first place and were named champions of the event. First place is awarded to the team whose rocket stays aloft for the longest period of time. Andrew and Mitchell’s rocket stayed in the air for 34.5 seconds, a full second longer than the second place team.
Water rockets help students understand the principals of aeronautics. The rockets are constructed from two-liter plastic soda bottles that are propelled by air pressure and water. Designing water rockets is a complex process with many variables to consider such as structure and function of the fins, nose, cone, and parachute.
One of the most difficult challenges is determining how much water to put into the bottle. Too much water will cause the rocket to be too heavy to fly; too little water will result in not enough energy to keep it flying.
Elementary Science Olympiad is designed to encourage students to explore new and challenging ways of solving problems as part of a team by competing in events that focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, math). Teams from all over the state compete in regional events to qualify for a spot at the state tournament.
