MANA — A math grade depends on the success of a rocket launch. Students in Jerry Nishihara’s math class at Waimea High School took to the open fields at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Mana to launch their scratch-built
MANA — A math grade depends on the success of a rocket launch.
Students in Jerry Nishihara’s math class at Waimea High School took to the open fields at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Mana to launch their scratch-built rockets at the 5th aAnnual Launch Day Saturday, said Tom Clements, the PMRF Public Affairs Officer.
The student complete the assignment with the launching of their rockets after designing, building, flying and recording data for each of their individual models.
Earlier, the students were scheduled to launch their rockets following a guest appearance from a former Space Shuttle astronaut, Capt. Bruce McCandless, but that launch did not take place due to inclement weather throughout the island on Dec. 13, 2008.
Along with the former astronaut, other students, including four from the Windward Community College, were invited to view the launching as an insight into their respective programs.
Clements said, “PMRF joins with Waimea High School for this assignment every year by providing open space on the range and having young engineers available for students to speak to as mentors.”
He said this year’s launch had a new twist as Nishihira responded to parents’ requests at previous launches to become more involved in the project.
This year, Nishihira had the parents worked to finalize the rockets prior to liftoff.
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