ASHLAND — Students built rockets out of tape, paper cups, straws and balloons at St. Edward School on Monday afternoon.
The class activity was a competition. The children — all in grades 3-5 — had to try and get their makeshift rocket to carry the largest number of paperclips while going the farthest distance.
Before having a chance to try their hand at the launches, videos taught them about engineering and the four forces of flight: weight, lift, drag and thrust.
“The kids were super excited about it, and very enthusiastic,” said Juli Schneeg, who teaches fifth grade.
Sara Paddags, a third grade teacher at St. Edward, added that students have engaged in open-ended activities like “Maker Space,” where they’ve designed things like mazes before.
Building rockets to reach the ceiling, though, gave them a goal. Paddags said she thought it was…
