Physics

It has become a tradition for Physics 11 classes -- and, this year, the sections of the brand-new AP Physics 1 course joined in -- to engage in a Rocketry project as a means to review many of the topics studied in earlier months: kinematics, dynamics, impulse and momentum. After Wednesday's dinner, we spent 2 hours launching a variety of spacecraft that reflected the care and attention that the students had devoted to basic construction and engineering principles. Regardless of the success of the flights, a great deal was learned and fun was had by all. The colourful appearance of many of the rockets reflected the creative ideas employed by the builders. In one case, there was a plaintive cry of "Houston, we have a problem ...!"; this was a result of the over-enthusiastic insertion of the solid-fuel engine by Cael H and Devin W, dislodging the thrust ring. A small consolation for the unfortunate engineering team presented itself when they had the opportunity to warm their hands over the flaming wreckage after it dramatically landed a short distance from the launch pad! The 3 teachers, Mr Fehr, Mr Doig and Mr Lane, thoroughly enjoyed the event and look forward to reading the written reports when completed later this week. As you can see from the accompanying photos, Mr Fehr was supported and mentored by Emme, while Ethan showed that he had inherited his father's, Mr Mayes's, rocket-building expertise. We are still hoping to discover the whereabouts of Anders F's Mongoose rocket – please call in if you find the wreckage, near or far!

– Stephen Lane

Photos by Stephen Lane