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Dragonfly I


        This civic term at GCE has opened up new and interesting opportunities in learning for me. We explored all things space in our class titled Rocket Science. We explored the ins and outs, the math, the history, and the people who made this scientific field what it is. We first explored parabolas and how to calculate the different data that goes into graphing a parabola. Then, we wrote up biographies for people prolific in the realm of rocket science. We would even learn about Binary/ASCII code and how it was used on the Golden Record, which was shot into space for some alien lifeform to hopefully find. Next, we got to experiment firsthand with how the design aspect of a rocket comes into play. We created our match rockets from match heads, aluminum foil, and wood skewers. We messed with our designs, firing them over, and over. Until one would finally get off the launch pad. Lastly, we took trips to places like the Museum of Science and Industry and The Planetarium to see the space exhibits. At the end of our class, we put all we learned together and created a stomp rocket to launch and calculate the flight path for. We used everything we learned about the Golden Record, binary code, and some historical figures of rocket science to present you with a cohesive step-by-step guide on what went into making our rockets and what it resulted in.


Hope you enjoy it!





    Honestly, I had low expectations coming into this class because I initially felt that the options weren't quite as interesting, fun, or robust as last year's civic term courses, but I would say I chose the most interesting course out of the lot. The project for this term was super interesting and was the most unique thing I've done at school. Even in GCE standards, Rocket Science was something special. It mixed two very complicated and technical topics and spun them into something more personal, fun, and creative. In this project, I got to express my learning through complicated calculations, personal art, and through the lens of a person who inspires me. This course taught me so much that I didn't think I’d learn in my Sophomore year, and if given the choice I would take it again.

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