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Harnessing the Learning Potential of Model Rocketry
Did you know that model rocketry is used in nearly 25,000 schools each year?
Add to this number the thousands of Scout Troops, after school clubs, summer camps and local park district
programs who use model rocketry and the numbers become quite large indeed.
For many of these groups the assembly, finishing and launching of the model rocket
is a goal unto itself; teaching students the value of good listening skills, patience
and perseverance as well as introducing concepts basic to the science of flight and motion.
In a modern world crammed with “pre-assembled” or “snap together” products the assembly of a
model rocket may be many students’ first encounter with an object requiring fine coordination skills,
care and patience to assemble. The result? When their models are complete many students will find
that this simple paper, glue and balsa wood vehicle has a value not measured by material worth but
by the time and effort invested in its’ construction.
Making Use of Unused Skills
The simplicity found in the construction of a model rocket is often the key to reaching target students. Among the most gifted or the most challenged few students are able to immediately identify the pieces that are found in a typical model rocket kit. This discovery results in a type of “equalizing effect”. Your top performing students (who normally excel at a wide range of subjects) will find themselves challenged with something new and unusual. Students who are typically under-performing now have an opportunity to approach a project that doesn’t carry the burden of being something at which they have failed in the past. Be prepared... because model rocketry requires a wide range of skills you will sometimes find that your “best and brightest” might require more assistance than you expect!
Special Needs..?
This is a good point in our discussion to address one of the more serious misconceptions we hear from educators: “Model rocketry presents a task too complex for use with special needs populations” We cannot disagree more. In numerous instances model rocketry has been used successfully with students facing mild to moderate physical and developmental challenges. Remember; model rocket kits are designed to take into account the wide variance in students’ abilities. Often success can be achieved through the guided assistance of a para-professional. Or - for students with fine motor challenges - you might want to consider a model that uses “fin can“ construction. Our best advice is
to still follow the directions that come with your model rocket kit! Building by the instructions will do much to keep your rockets high in the clouds and way off the ground.
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