Students at North Allegheny explore rocket modeling while alum explores space

In the North Allegheny School District, it is rocket science.

Sixth graders throughout the district do model rocketry as part of the annual science curriculum, said Science Department Chair Christopher Omasits.

“The rocketry project helps students see topics like chemical reactions, energy, and Newton’s Laws all in action in a single activity. More important is the fact that students are assembling the rockets themselves, so the success or failure of the launch and recovery depends on their work,” Omasits said.

Such skills came in handy during an April 25 question-and-answer session with NASA astronaut Dr. Warren “Woody” Hoburg, a North Allegheny graduate, who is aboard the International Space Station.

Hoburg, who attended Marshall Middle School, is known for having a passion for rocket modeling.

The rocket unit is part of the sixth-grade curriculum in physical science, according to Marshal Middle School sixth-grade science teacher Luke Mortimer. The students test their newly built rockets outside their schools.

“This is usually their first time at constructing a model rocket. I always look forward to the first couple of launches because the students do not realize how high they go,” said Mortimer, adding some model rockets reach more than 1,000 feet.

It is a real-world opportunity to teach students that “attention to detail matters, how to persevere in the face of failure, and that there doesn’t always have to be only one right answer,” said Omasits.

A rocket modeling tour of sixth-graders at work at Marshall Middle School occurred April 27 prior to a districtwide NASA education downlink party to view Hoburg’s answers during a session just two days before in which he answered students’ pre-recorded questions about life in space.

Noah Swailem, 11, was doing some extra work on his model, noting the project was “super fun.”

“I definitely enjoy managing rockets and having fun. It’s a great way to learn,” said Tippy Krober, 12.

Some students said they’d be interested in exploring space.

“It’s a very fun field to work in,” said Madi Cookson, 12.

Omasits said Hoburg and his fellow crew members are all scientists who learned by doing things rather than just sitting in a classroom.

“By having (students) apply their knowledge to these types of hands-on activities with a focus on skills just as much as content, we hope to give our students an advantage no matter what their future looks like beyond North Allegheny,” he said.