How to HostHow to Hosta a

Local Local CompetitionCompetition

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PowerPoint Presentation - Jack Colpas

Photos - Kathy Colpas©2005, 2009, 2012, 2013

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Hosting a Local Contest Hosting a Local Contest is as easy as…is as easy as…

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Build your rocketsBuild your rockets

LaunchLaunch

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Choose your Level of CompetitionChoose your Level of Competition

Order your rocketry suppliesOrder your rocketry supplies

Mark & measure landing spotsMark & measure landing spots

Award certificates & submit your resultsAward certificates & submit your results

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* Order your rocketry supplies* Registration fees included FREE when ordering from The Rocketman or SciCon Services

CompetitionCompetition* Ages 10 to 18

* Rockets must be built according to manufacturers instructions* Competitors must build, prep and launch their own rocket* One rocket per competitor* All help is ‘hands-off’* Closest average landing from on-field target after 2

launches wins local event* Results are submitted to Competition Headquarters to

determine the three National Winners.* 3 National winners get the opportunity to celebrate

under an “October Sky” at Space Camp.

See Contest Rules posted at www.TheRocketman.netwww.TheRocketman.net for Details

Rocket ChoicesRocket Choices

There are many Rocket Kits available There are many Rocket Kits available that qualify. that qualify.

Here are some of the most popular Here are some of the most popular models.models.

* Estes Estes (Alpha, Alpha III, Gen.E2X)(Alpha, Alpha III, Gen.E2X) * QuestQuest (Astra, Astra III)(Astra, Astra III) * CustomCustom (Freedom, Venture)(Freedom, Venture) * – – or build your own!or build your own!

* Length 11 ½” to 15 ½” Diameter 7/8 ” to 1 ¼ ”Length 11 ½” to 15 ½” Diameter 7/8 ” to 1 ¼ ”

Kits come with easy-to-follow instructions.Kits come with easy-to-follow instructions.

Engines & AccessoriesEngines & Accessories

* Launch with Launch with EstesEstes A8-3 Engines or A8-3 Engines or * QuestQuest A6-4 Motors A6-4 Motors

* Electric ignition from a safe distanceElectric ignition from a safe distance

* Must use Parachute RecoveryMust use Parachute Recovery* 11 ½” to 14 ½“ diameter11 ½” to 14 ½“ diameter

* Some or all of the ‘spill hole’ may be removedSome or all of the ‘spill hole’ may be removed* Maximum 4 ¼ “ diameter circleMaximum 4 ¼ “ diameter circle

* Standard Launch Pad & Rod Standard Launch Pad & Rod * must be no longer than 38 inchesmust be no longer than 38 inches

Rocketry SuppliesRocketry SuppliesTo order go to To order go to

??? Not certain what to order ???Just e-mail or call Just e-mail or call

(941) 955-3958(941) 955-3958Rocketman@SciConServices.com

We’ll send a ‘no cost - no obligation’ estimate.We’ll send a ‘no cost - no obligation’ estimate.

www.TheRocketman.netwww.TheRocketman.netClick on “Click on “STORESTORE””

www.RocketCompetition.com www.RocketCompetition.com

or or

2…2…* BuildBuild

* Launch Launch

* Building and launching can take place on separate daysBuilding and launching can take place on separate days

Brentwood ElementaryBrentwood Elementary

FLMS TeachersFLMS Teachers(Check out the Rocket Drying Rack) (Check out the Rocket Drying Rack)

Rocket ConstructionRocket Construction

* Contestants must build their own rocket* Help is strictly Hands-Off

* Verbal coaching, demonstration and video instruction are acceptable

* NOTE: Exceptions for Special Needs competitors are at the discretion of the local contest judges.

Girl Scouts of West Central FloridaGirl Scouts of West Central Florida

* Build your rocketsBuild your rockets* Detailed instructions are included with each Detailed instructions are included with each

rocket kitrocket kit* Approximately 1 ¼ to 1 ½ hours to buildApproximately 1 ¼ to 1 ½ hours to build

* Can be built over several daysCan be built over several days

* See See NAR Model Rocket Safety CodeNAR Model Rocket Safety Code at at

the end of this presentationthe end of this presentation

LocationLocation* Sports fields make great launch sitesSports fields make great launch sites

* Be aware of fire danger Be aware of fire danger * Clear away any dry grass or debris from around the Clear away any dry grass or debris from around the

launch padlaunch pad* Contact local fire department if neededContact local fire department if needed

* For safety sake – launch only when winds are For safety sake – launch only when winds are below 20 mphbelow 20 mph

* See See NAR Model Rocket Safety CodeNAR Model Rocket Safety Code * at the end of this presentation at the end of this presentation

* Set target 30 feet downrange of launch padSet target 30 feet downrange of launch pad* It must be stationary and clearly visibleIt must be stationary and clearly visible* A dowel and flag or nail through a paper A dowel and flag or nail through a paper * work finework fine

* AAll participants and spectators must be ll participants and spectators must be at a safe distanceat a safe distance

* At least 15 feet from launch padAt least 15 feet from launch pad* Behind the launch controlBehind the launch control

OCPS Teacher WorkshopOCPS Teacher Workshop

Rocket PreparationRocket Preparation* Push flame-proof wadding into body tube

* one piece at a time * ball loosely

* Pack parachute * a little talcum powder helps

* install engine (motor)* Must use A8-3 or A6-4 power* lock into place

* Insert igniter - Just prior to launch* The igniter tip is brittle ~ Handle Carefully * Make certain the wires do not cross

Remember – ‘Help is strictly Hands-Off’ Verbal coaching, demonstration and video instruction are acceptable

Launch PreparationLaunch Preparation* Slide rocket down launch rod

* Rod may be angled into the wind to control landing

* An angle less than 30 degrees from

vertical must be used* NAR Pink Book ~ Spot-landing

contest rule #5.4 Launching Device

* Attach alligator clips* One to each igniter wire* There are no positive (+) or negative (-)

leads

LaunchLaunch

* Insert (or depress) safety key* You should get a ready light

* (or sound)

* Call out “Ready to launch!”

* Give a loud countdown* Just like NASA does

* Press the Launch Button

* Watch your rocket fly!

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Mark & measure the landingsMark & measure the landings

Award certificates & submit your resultsAward certificates & submit your results

Mark & MeasureMark & Measure* Mark the first touchdown spot of the tip of the noseconeMark the first touchdown spot of the tip of the nosecone

* Cable marker flags, bamboo skewers, golf tees, nails or screws Cable marker flags, bamboo skewers, golf tees, nails or screws with small flags make good markerswith small flags make good markers

* If judges cannot agree on the spot – landing will be marked halfway If judges cannot agree on the spot – landing will be marked halfway between the two spots in questionbetween the two spots in question

* All that pass safety inspection - launch againAll that pass safety inspection - launch again* Closest average landing of the 2 launches WINS the local eventClosest average landing of the 2 launches WINS the local event

* Measure winner’s distances Measure winner’s distances to the nearest ¼ inch* Any landing that is not measurable is recorded as 50 feetAny landing that is not measurable is recorded as 50 feet* Fill out National Entry FormFill out National Entry Form

On Permanent Displayat the Astronaut Hall of Fame

Contest Wrap-upContest Wrap-up* Closest average distance from the target after 2 launches

WINS Local Event!* Only the winner’s results must be measured with accuracy* Average = landing 1 distance + landing 2 distance / 2* Note: convert to inches before averaging

* Award Certificates to all * Participants, Judges and Helpers

* may be done later * awards ceremony, parent night, etc.

* Fill out and submit Entry Form* Annual deadline posted on website* Entries from local events are used to determine the 3 National Winners* National Winners invited to celebrate under an “October Sky” at Space

Camp

FLMS 2010 local winnerFLMS 2010 local winnerAt G.WIZAt G.WIZ

Competition FormsCompetition Forms* Achievement Certificates

* Hand out to all participants* Contestants, host, judges * and helpers

* Local Winner’s Certificate * Award to contestant with the * closest average landing

* After 2 flights

* Flight Log * Use to record individual launches

* This form is optional

* National Entry Form* Fill out and get signatures* Submit form to contest Headquarters by

Deadline

See complete competition rules for details

Suitable for Framing

Local Event Requirements

* At least 10 Contestants* Each contestant must build and launch their own rocket

* Two adult Judges* Admin or full time staff required for Collegiate Challenge* One judge must have ‘official’ title

* i.e. Principal, ranking Police or Fire Dept. Officer, * Public Official, Mayor, Governor, etc,

* Target* 30 feet from launch pad, easily visible

* Measuring Tape* Measurements up to 50 feet will be taken, accurate to ¼ inch

* Launch Field* Sport fields (baseball, football, etc.) work fine

* National Entry Form* Must be submitted to contest headquarters by Deadline

2013 National Winners

Launch at Astronaut Hall of Fame

Certifying Results

National Entry FormNational Entry Form* 1. Requires signatures from:

* Two adult judges* One must be a Public Official

* Admin or full time staff required for Collegiate Challenge

* School Admin, Police or Fire Officer, Scout District Leader, etc.

* Contest host may serve as judge* Winner (parent or guardian signature needed for minors)* Three Rocket Contest participants

* 2. Must be received at contest headquarters by Deadline* Posted on website

* 3. Entries must be on original, numbered form* Submission accepted by mail, fax or e-mail

Quick Reference GuideQuick Reference Guide

RocketLength

11 ½ ” to 15 ½ ”Diameter

7/8 ” to 1 ¼ ”

Weight not to exceed 2 ½ oz (71 g) *including parachute*without engine /

motor Note: No weight may be added to affect altitude.

A postal scale is helpful for weighing rockets

ParachutePlastic

Minimum four shrouds 8” to 14” in length

Diameter 11 ¼ ” to 14 ½ ”

All or part of spill-hole may be removed (max 4 ¼”diam.)

Note: nothing may be done to prevent the parachute from opening fully

Fins 3 to 5 Non-metalNon-metal

Engines (motors) A8-3 A6-4 See rules for details

Launch RodLength 38” maximum

Launch Angle less than 30° from vertical

Target 30’ downrange Clearly visible stationary

State Winners’ CompetitionState Winners’ Competition

Transportation and meals not included

* US Space & Rocket Center - Space Camp * Huntsville, Alabama

* Launch from

* Homer Hickam Field

* Experience the

* Space Simulators

* ….& more!

Launch from Homer Hickam Field

Ride Space Sims

State Winners State Winners

* Launch from Homer Hickam Field* Receive –

* Certificate * Commemorative Space Shuttle Challenger bronze coin.

* Celebrate at -* Space Camp at the* US Space & Rocket Center

* In “Rocket City” Huntsville, Alabama

National Winners National Winners

“Memories to last a lifetime and bragging rights for generations to come!”

If anyone should ask….

Braden River Middle

Newton’s Laws

force & motionaerodynamics

resistance

chemistry

gravitation math

triangulationfriction

.

.

Sarasota Middle

““I never knew I could build a rocket. I never knew I could build a rocket.

Let alone make it FLY!”Let alone make it FLY!” Booker Middle School studentBooker Middle School student

Astronauts

Reach for the Stars ~ National Rocket CompetitionReach for the Stars ~ National Rocket Competition & & Helping Kids Reach for the StarsHelping Kids Reach for the Stars ~ ~ Rocketry ProgramRocketry Program

are endorsed by:

Bill Readdy

Jon McBride

Moon Walker / Astronaut / Artist Alan Bean

Competitor’s Name

Group

Mark Lee

Tom Jones

Astronauts

Reach for the Stars ~ National Rocket CompetitionReach for the Stars ~ National Rocket Competition & & Helping Kids Reach for the StarsHelping Kids Reach for the Stars ~ ~ Rocketry ProgramRocketry Program

are endorsed by:

Marcos PontesJerry Ross

Senator Bill Nelson

Local Hosts choose an American Astronaut to Honor with their Event

Kennedy Space Center Director, Astronaut Bob Cabana inspires

YMCA kids pre-launch

John Blaha

N.A.R. MODEL ROCKET SAFETY CODEN.A.R. MODEL ROCKET SAFETY CODEpart 1part 1

1. 1. MATERIALSMATERIALS. I will use only lightweight, non-metal parts for the nose, body, and fins of my . I will use only lightweight, non-metal parts for the nose, body, and fins of my rocket.rocket.

2. 2. MOTORSMOTORS. I will use only certified, commercially-made model rocket motors, and will not . I will use only certified, commercially-made model rocket motors, and will not tamper with these motors or use them for any purposes except those recommended by tamper with these motors or use them for any purposes except those recommended by the manufacturer.the manufacturer.

3. 3. IGNITION SYSTEMIGNITION SYSTEM. I will launch my rockets with an electrical launch system and . I will launch my rockets with an electrical launch system and electrical motor igniters. My launch system will have a safety interlock in series with the electrical motor igniters. My launch system will have a safety interlock in series with the launch switch, and will use a launch switch that returns to the "off" position when launch switch, and will use a launch switch that returns to the "off" position when released.released.

4. 4. MISFIRES.MISFIRES. If my rocket does not launch when I press the button of my electrical launch If my rocket does not launch when I press the button of my electrical launch system, I will remove the launcher's safety interlock or disconnect its battery, and will system, I will remove the launcher's safety interlock or disconnect its battery, and will wait 60 seconds after the last launch attempt before allowing anyone to approach the wait 60 seconds after the last launch attempt before allowing anyone to approach the rocket.rocket.

5. 5. LAUNCH SAFETYLAUNCH SAFETY. I will use a countdown before launch, and will ensure that everyone is . I will use a countdown before launch, and will ensure that everyone is paying attention and is a safe distance of at least 15 feet away when I launch rockets paying attention and is a safe distance of at least 15 feet away when I launch rockets with D motors or smaller, and 30 feet when I launch larger rockets. If I am uncertain with D motors or smaller, and 30 feet when I launch larger rockets. If I am uncertain about the safety or stability of an untested rocket, I will check the stability before flight about the safety or stability of an untested rocket, I will check the stability before flight and will fly it only after warning spectators and clearing them away to a safe distance.and will fly it only after warning spectators and clearing them away to a safe distance.

6. 6. LAUNCHERLAUNCHER. I will launch my rocket from a launch rod, tower, or rail that is pointed to . I will launch my rocket from a launch rod, tower, or rail that is pointed to within 30 degrees of the vertical to ensure that the rocket flies nearly straight up, and I within 30 degrees of the vertical to ensure that the rocket flies nearly straight up, and I will use a blast deflector to prevent the motor's exhaust from hitting the groundwill use a blast deflector to prevent the motor's exhaust from hitting the ground .. To To prevent accidental eye injury, I will place launchers so that the end of the launch rod is prevent accidental eye injury, I will place launchers so that the end of the launch rod is above eye level or will cap the end of the rod when it is not in useabove eye level or will cap the end of the rod when it is not in use ..

N.A.R. MODEL ROCKET SAFETY CODEN.A.R. MODEL ROCKET SAFETY CODEpart 2part 2

7. SIZE. 7. SIZE. My model rocket will not weigh more than 1500 grams (53 ounces) at liftoff and will My model rocket will not weigh more than 1500 grams (53 ounces) at liftoff and will not contain more than 125 grams (4.4 ounces) of propellant or 320 N-sec (71.9 pound-not contain more than 125 grams (4.4 ounces) of propellant or 320 N-sec (71.9 pound-seconds) of total impulse. If my model rocket weighs more than one pound (453 grams) seconds) of total impulse. If my model rocket weighs more than one pound (453 grams) at liftoff or has more than 4 ounces (113 grams) of propellant, I will check and comply at liftoff or has more than 4 ounces (113 grams) of propellant, I will check and comply with Federal Aviation Administration regulations before flying.with Federal Aviation Administration regulations before flying.

8. FLIGHT SAFETY. 8. FLIGHT SAFETY. I will not launch my rocket at targets, into clouds, or near airplanes, and I will not launch my rocket at targets, into clouds, or near airplanes, and will not put any flammable or explosive payload in my rocket.will not put any flammable or explosive payload in my rocket.

9. LAUNCH SITE. 9. LAUNCH SITE. I will launch my rocket outdoors, in an open area at least as large as I will launch my rocket outdoors, in an open area at least as large as shown in the accompanying table, and in safe weather conditions with wind speeds no shown in the accompanying table, and in safe weather conditions with wind speeds no greater than 20 miles per hour. I will ensure that there is no dry grass close to the launch greater than 20 miles per hour. I will ensure that there is no dry grass close to the launch pad, and that the launch site does not present risk of grass fires.pad, and that the launch site does not present risk of grass fires.

LAUNCH SITE DIMENSIONS. LAUNCH SITE DIMENSIONS. Equivalent Motor Type A ~ Minimum Site Dimensions 100 ftEquivalent Motor Type A ~ Minimum Site Dimensions 100 ft

10 RECOVERY SYSTEM. 10 RECOVERY SYSTEM. I will use a recovery system such as a streamer or parachute in I will use a recovery system such as a streamer or parachute in my rocket so that it returns safely and undamaged and can be flown again, and I will use my rocket so that it returns safely and undamaged and can be flown again, and I will use only flame-resistant or fireproof recovery system wadding in my rocket.only flame-resistant or fireproof recovery system wadding in my rocket.

11. RECOVERY SAFETY. 11. RECOVERY SAFETY. I will not attempt to recover my rocket from power lines, tall trees, I will not attempt to recover my rocket from power lines, tall trees, or other dangerous places.or other dangerous places.

We have everything ready. We have everything ready.

Jack & Kathy Colpas, program directors(941) 955-3958

Contact us. The kids need your help!Contact us. The kids need your help!

Wishing you light winds

on launch day!

Over 50 years of combined experience as educators.

Rocketman@SciConServices.comwww.TheRocketman.net