The sky above Desert Wind Middle School was filled with handmade rocket ships blasting off and descending today as students, educators and community members gathered for the annual Blended Learning Rocket Launch. Since its … launch … in 2015, the challenge has provided hands-on education, fostering an interest in engineering, physics and aerodynamics.

“Kids are learning teambuilding and STEAM (science, tech, engineering, arts and math) for sure”, said Adam Leach with Maricopa Rocketry Club, the nonprofit that puts on the annual rocket challenge.

Leach said the students take away “the self-confidence of it, like, ‘I put this something together and actually seen it launch from the ground up.'”

Leach bounced between launch pads and the safety booth from which the rockets launch with a radio trigger. In that booth sat city leaders, including Maricopa Chief of Police Mark Goodman and Mayor Nancy Smith. They were each given a chance to build their own rockets.

“What goes into a good rocket is good gluing technique,” said Mayor Smith. “You have to use the double tack approach, and that works really well. And then, of course, the artwork and design.”

The event, sponsored by Maricopa Rocketry Club and the Superstition Rocketry Club, attracted more than 140 students this year — a significant increase from previous years. The daylong event featured different competitions, including distance, height and an egg-drop challenge in which students designed rockets capable of landing an egg without breaking it.

“Those are much bigger,” offered Leach, bouncing between students and ROTC volunteers, helping get things setup.

“We’ve been doing this for 10 years now, and it’s important because it teaches all aspects of STEM,” said Mayor Smith. “It’s incredible to see how excited they get about it.”

Smith was excited herself. Her rocket was affixed to the launch pad along with three other rockets representing the Maricopa Fire and Police Departments.

“We’re actually going to drag race these,” an announcer declared before the rockets soared into the sky.

Three rockets fired, while Smith’s remained on the launch pad.

Technical difficulties kept hers in place. “Wouldn’t be a launch without them,” a technician quipped, as the crew moved her rocket to a different launch pad.

Liftoff.

Then, it was the kids’ turn.

Sixth grader Joseph Ellis was first in line to launch his rocket. This was his first experience with rockets. He met the day with nervous excitement. He had learned what launched the rockets and was eager to share.

“I learned how the fins control trajectory and how the top part helps with aerodynamics,” he said, as Maricopa Rocketry workers made final touches to his rocket.

He named his rocket Poseidon after the Greek god of the sea. Sixth graders are watching to see how high they can launch their rockets.

“That was kind of cool, actually,” admitted Ellis.

“At least it didn’t hit anything,” said another student.

This is the first foray for many of these students into rocketry. Leach said he hopes it sparks a lifelong interest.

“At the end of the day, if you can change a few students’ minds from thinking they can’t do something to realizing they can, that’s impressive,” he said. “Seeing their faces light up when their rockets launch — that’s the best part.”