St. Paul Lutheran School students launch model rockets

21 students, or rocket scientists (for an hour at least) from St. Paul Lutheran School in Ann Arbor launched their hand-made model rockets Tuesday May 25 at the soccer field behind the school, 495 Earhart Rd.

The after-school rocket club, which began May 4 as a four week session for second through fourth graders, aimed to offer a fun activity for students while they wait for siblings to finish sport practice or their parents to pick them up.

“My kids, when they were little, always enjoyed making rockets, so I thought that would be fun to do” said first grade teacher Deb Schnack of Ypsilanti, who organized the program.

For the first three weeks, students met for one hour after school on Tuesdays to design, build and decorate their rockets from kits.

On the fourth meeting, they launched the rockets with the help of Schnack’s husband, John, and her son Eric.

One at a time the students mounted their rockets on the launch pad, connected the ignition system to the engine, counted down from five and watched their rockets soar. “That one touched a cloud!” yelled several excited students.

The rockets launched approximately 300 feet in the air and deployed a bright orange ribbon to slow its landing and make it easier to spot.

Click here for a slide show of images

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(left) Skyler Robbins, 8, of Ann Arbor, first grade Teacher Deb Schnack of Ypsilanti and Emily Podolski, 7, of Ann Arbor watch in awe as rockets are launched more than 300 feet in the air.

Carter West, 7, of Saline points at a rocket after it was launched.

(left) Ben Pierce, 9, of Ann Arbor launches his rocket with the assistance of Eric Schnack of Ypsilanti.