At Academy Science, we are designing, building and launching record breaking performance air rockets built from common and affordably inexpensive school supplies! These rockets are flying out of previously adequately cleared air space into new territory beyond perimeter shrubs and trees! All this with relatively low and safe launch pressures!
When the rockets are hand built, they are measured, studied and admired extensively then taken outside for a real flight under real atmospheric meteorological conditions.
Typical Academy Science air rocket launch day data is 26 C, 52 % humidity, 30.12 rising barometric, with an 18 knot wind coming from the SW (225).
Launch pressure is 30 lbs. per sq. in. Launch angle is 45 degrees to horizontal pointing north (360). Longest rocket flight distance is increased from a previous milestone performance benchmark of 130 meters to extreme flight performance approaching and exceeding 200 meters. Highest elevation is increased from a previous milestone performance benchmark of 20 meters to extreme flight performance approaching and exceeding 30 meters.
The 4-H Sarpy Fair Rocket Contest Judge has taught Science for a long time. This judge knows how to evaluate rockets. Traditional Rockets are solid fuel propulsion. Academy Science introduces a novel NASA inspired air pressure propulsion model. This allows Academy Science to be good stewards of the environment: clean and green.
This is a great aspiration and accomplishment. The program director posed a challenge to Academy Science: If you want to compete against traditional solid fuel propulsion model rockets with your air rockets, then you must submit an acceptable rubric for Air Rocket Performance Chart Judging Criteria.
Young rocket scientists at Academy Science put their heads together and discussed possible solutions for this challenge. We are publishing the winning solution found acceptable to the 4-H Sarpy Fair Rocket Contest Judge and Director.
Academy Science Air Rocket Performance Chart Judging Criteria
Total 100 points
1. Safety. ___/ 20
Check that area is clear and launcher is setup correctly. / 10
Loud and clear countdown. / 10
2. Performance. ___/ 45
Distance. / 15
Straightness. / 15
Stability. / 15
3. Design. ___/ 35
Able to explain how and why the rocket was built the way it was. / 20
Damage. / -10
Able to explain why the rocket performed the way it did. / 15
Overall total. ___/ 100
This solution allows Academy Science to continue to compete against traditional solid fuel propulsion model rockets with its novel NASA inspired air pressure propulsion model rockets!
The BIG DAY is arriving this Thursday afternoon! Academy Science goes for the Purple Ribbons!
