Wyoming EMBHSSC 2012: Day 4

On Wednesday we revisited our rocket designs, and then launched them next to the Classroom Building. Some campers launched at 30 degrees, some at 45, and some at 60 degrees. We analyzed the distances traveled as a function of launch angle as well as rocket mass. This involved data analysis, graphing, etc. Another mathematically-intensive activity on Wednesday involved computing the height of the Physical Sciences Building by timing how long it takes a ball (and watermelon!) to fall when released from the top of the building.

In preparation for astronaut Bernard Harris' visit on Thursday, the campers strategized which supplies, for a limited budget, could best be used to construct a space suit (more on this in tomorrow's blog!). Another activity focused on healthy choices in the Dining Hall, followed by an activity where campers chose a nearby star to possibly colonize. The extremely packed day was topped off by going to Red Buttes Observatory south of town to use the 26" telescope to take images of their selected stars. Glow sticks and liquid Nitrogen ice cream added to the fun!