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02
May
2019
|
16:08 PM
America/Chicago

Fla. Unit Hosts Rocketry Day for School STEM Club

1st Lt. Christian A. Dominguez
Public Affairs Officer
Opa-Locka Cadet Squadron
Florida Wing

 

The Florida Wing’s Opa-Locka Cadet Squadron recently shared in Civil Air Patrol’s ongoing emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education by hosting a water bottle rocketry day at the Palm Spring North Elementary School STEM Space Club.

The cadets spent the first half of the day using their knowledge of rocketry mechanics, safety and aerospace principles to assist students in making water bottle rockets from everyday household items. The cadets and students then ended the day by launching the rockets and watching them dart into the sky.

The activity was led jointly by Capt. Roberto Rodriguez, the Opa-Locka squadron’s aerospace education officer, and Rossana Chiarella, a CAP aerospace education member. The pair have coordinated the STEM outreach event for the last three years.

“These events highlight the importance of our partnerships to promote STEM,” said Col. Luis Garcia, Florida Wing commander. “Opa-Locka Cadet Squadron is providing a great opportunity to allow our cadets to learn from each other and students in the STEM community.”

The squadron’s commander, 1st Lt. Miguel de la Fuente added, “It is great seeing the cadets using their knowledge of model rocketry to help the students create these wonderful rockets.”


Photos by 1st Lt. Christian A. Dominguez