Launch time

MOSES LAKE — More than 45 model rockets were shot into the sky from Lions Field Friday, witnessed by Discover Elementary School fifth-grade students.

The students built the models as part of a four-week curriculum focusing on rockets. They launched them less than two weeks before school is out for the summer.

Each rocket was launched separately and released a parachute to facilitate the landing.

Daniella Aronsohn, 10, said building the rockets was fun, but launching them was the best part of the activity.

"Then you get to chase it around the field, see where it went," Aronsohn said.

Moses Lake resident Mike Bolander, husband of third-grade teacher Shari Bolander, designed the four-week curriculum. Bolander launched the rockets with the students. He first came up with the project several years ago. It was brought back this year.

"It's something really special that only the fifth-graders get to do," said Bailie Kendall, 11.

The angle of each rocket was measured so students could calculate the height of the launch using trigonometry, Bolander said.

Students learned during the curriculum about chemistry, physics, geometry and aerodynamics, he said.

"It works pretty well because it gives students an opportunity to see science in action," Bolander said.

Rockets were built using a kit. The engines run on solid fuel in three stages, he said.

The first stage burns the power supply, the second stage releases smoke and the third stage burns the rocket's nose and releases a parachute, he said.

Students were able to take the rockets home after the activity ended.

Savana Hedrick, 11, said she wanted to thank Mike Bolander for bringing the project to the school.

"This is the coolest thing that will ever happen," Hedrick said.

The activity came a day after a fifth-grade sleepover at the school, given to students as a reward for good behavior.