Saint Ambrose High School Prep Students Spread Their Wings at NASA!

“Aviation is proof that given the will, we have the capacity to achieve the impossible.” – Eddie Rickenbacker.

August 28th, 2024—Saint Ambrose Catholic School HSP students in grades 6th, 7th, and 8th were invited to Aviation Day at NASA Glenn Research Center this week. Students had the opportunity for collaboration, hands-on learning, special speakers, and a backstage tour of NASA. Students used Next Generation skills and problem-solving using the Engineering and Design Process.

The day was filled with excellent learning opportunities! We are blessed to partner with NASA, which provides real-world problem-solving opportunities for our STEAM mission and hands-on learning opportunities beyond the four walls of our school.
Students worked on  STEM projects and utilized the design cycle with paper, scissors, tape, and a straw to learn, fail, and succeed to have their paper aircraft go the furthest.   NASA then featured a guest research speaker in Aeronautics.

Students had a hands-on visit and testing with the wind tunnel, where they tested for air pressure and aerodynamics. They are currently testing how to make the sonic boom quieter so they can do it above land. Then, they visited the ice tunnel, where they tested the moisture and temperatures of planes when dealing with ice. Students were able to go inside both these tunnels!

Students finished their learning day by working in groups of 2-3 to use specific items given, with restrictions, and develop the most aerodynamic product. They then brought it to a machine that simulates and tests the ‘drag’ (air pressure). The lowest number wins, as you want the least drag when flying.  Saint Ambrose students Lucas and Landon led the project for all schools represented to affect and reduce drag time! The starting drag was 24, and they got it down to 7.8!!!

Thank you to our friends at NASA for inviting us to Aviation Day. Our students had an incredible day of learning together! We are so very proud of the leadership and problem solving of our students!

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