Mr. Smith’s annual physics rocket launching
By Katelyn Fisher
Every year on the East campus, Mr. Smith and his physics classes create various rockets out of paper towel rolls, paper, tape and other materials at hand, the only stipulation being it cannot damage the turf on the football field, the wellness center or any innocent bystanders. Some create their rocket for the looks, while others are determined to make the rocket that will launch the farthest.
Each hour had a distance winner and a class favorite determined by a different physics class. In total, there were three distance winners and three appearance winners.
Photo of “Unnamed,” and “Unnamed” taken by Katelyn Fisher
These two rockets, both unnamed, were the second and third-place winners of the distance competition. Each equipped with various types of tape and paper, they managed to stay together after being launched from a homemade compressed air cannon. The blue rocket went a distance of 62 yards, claiming second on the podium, while the clear tape rocket flew only 55 yards, landing in third place.
Photo of “Unnamed,” taken by Katelyn Fisher
This sleek rocket (left), covered in black duck tape, was the ultimate champion of the distance contest. While other contenders managed distances ranging from ten to 65 yards, no one came close to the impressive 85-yard flight of this rocket, landing Preston Pritzlaff bragging rights to the annual physics rocket launching.
While the distance covered by these rockets was quite impressive, other students found more importance in how their rockets looked. Each student, or group of students, came up with their own idea and utilized the given class time in hopes of making it a reality.
Photo of “Red Death,” taken by Katelyn Fisher
This unique design, paired with the combination of red and black paper, produced the presentational winner of Mr. Smith’s third-hour class. This rocket did not go an astonishingly far distance; however, the thought and effort put into this rocket is clearly illustrated.
Photo of “The Minion Family,” taken by Katelyn Fisher
What better way to win the contest than to construct three minion rockets? This group of students decided to work together on this project with plans clear from the start: Minion Family. With colorful paper, and lots of duct tape, their artistic vision became a humorous reality.
Photo of “Biblically Accurate Mr. Smith,” taken by Katelyn Fisher
The picture above showcases one of the most interesting rockets produced from this year’s contest: the Biblically Accurate Mr. Smith. From the fire eyes, cut-out photo of Mr. Smith’s head and the 17 eyes staring at you from any corner of the room, this creation demonstrates the usage of imagination, creativity and a slice of humor.
Photo (from left to right) of honorable mentions, “Your Mom is the Bomb .com,” “Magic School Bus,” and “Fire Quacker,” taken by Katelyn Fisher
As seen above, Mr. Smith received a variety of impressive rockets during this year’s competition. While no student has beaten his flight record, the physics classes will continue on with this annual tradition of building, designing and launching rockets, with the belief that their rocket might just be the one to defeat Mr. Smith.