4th grade students from Team Montreal at Greenview Upper Elementary had the opportunity to witness classroom learning literally take flight during a model rocket launch on the field located behind the school on Wednesday, May 16, 2018. The rocket launch was the culmination of a STEM based project led by Math and Science teacher Mr. Paul Kijinski, who formerly served as a Missile Launch Control Officer in the U.S. Air Force. Students began by taking accurate measurements and translating 2-dimensionsal renderings into fully functional 3-D model rockets. This involved creating a closed electrical circuit from the launch unit to the engine fuse and demonstrating how chemical energy can be transformed to provide rocket thrust. Students also received training regarding important safety measures. Funding for the project was generously provided by the Greenview PTA.
On the day of the launch, students were organized into groups of four, with each member assigned to one of the following positions: rocket handler, countdown controller, launch commander and recovery agent. Parents were invited to attend and joined students and staff to watch the rockets soar to over 1,100 feet into the sky!
Thank you to Mr. Kijinski and the Greenview PTA for providing the students of Team Montreal a unique and exciting hands-on learning experience!
