About Us | Rockets For Schools, Spaceport Sheboygan, Wisconsin

History of Rockets For Schools

On May 3 & 4, 1996, 240 students participated in the first state-based Rockets For Schools program. NASA Administrator Dan Goldin addressed the students along with Astronaut Col. Mark Lee. Students were briefed on the different aspects of the launch and were given a tour of the different launch stations. 12,000 people were in attendance, as Sheboygan, Wisconsin became the first inland sub-orbital launch site. The rocket contained a payload that was constructed by a team of professionals and students from UW-Madison's engineering school.

Since 1996, we have had several more successful secondary school launches involving students from Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and Iowa but participation is open to all U.S. students in grades from 6 through 12. In 2001, students from Sheboygan County were involved in the first elementary rocket launch. Since then, we have had several more successful elementary launches. This event provides an opportunity for students to participate in aerospace technology and rocket launches: to learn about rocket construction and to perform as part of a team.

Goal and Value of the Program

The goal of Rockets For Schools is to:

Make science exciting and "cool"
To stimulate the academic interest in science, math and technology in students in grades 6 to 12
To aid and encourage students and the public in future aerospace pursuits

Rockets For Schools provides students in grades 6 through 12 with an experience that:

Helps to develop team-building skills
Provides access, knowledge and participation in a space launch
Stimulate the learning process in all areas, particularly math, science and technology
A chance for students to meet a U.S. Astonaut and industry professionals

Standards

The Rockets For Schools program addresses several national standards by its hands-on, minds-on approach to science and technology.

Demographics

The students participating in this event come from the full range of the socioeconomic and racial spectrum. We have always had a strong contingency from Inner City Chicago and Milwaukee Schools. Students from a diverse population of more rural Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois areas have participated but participation is open to all U.S. students in grades from 6 through 12.

Summary

Rockets For Schools is a fun and exciting way for kids to learn about space technologies while providing them with an opportunity to be part of an extraordinary team-building event.

For more information contact:

Rockets For Schools
P. O. Box 684
Sheboygan, WI 53082-0684
Phone: (920) 458-6299