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TAHS Astronomy Class Takes Its Show on the Road to PVES

The following article was written and submitted by TAHS students in Mrs. Carolyn Kipps's Astronomy classes.

To Infinity and Beyond

NASA isn't the only place where rocket scientists are hard at work.  Here, in Rockingham County, rocket building began a couple months ago for 62 fourth graders from Debbie Price's, Kim VanBenschoten's, and Stephanie Mays's classes at Pleasant Valley Elementary School.  With the help of Turner Ashby's Astronomy classes, the fourth graders were able to construct, design, and launch their own rockets. 

Although there was a lot of fun involved, the TAHS Astronomy students worked vigorously on many lessons that reinforced the fourth grade science SOLS.  The lessons had to include an introduction to the material, a hands-on activity, and a review to evaluate the students' understanding of the material.  A few of the topics that were reinforced included seasons, moon phases, space exploration and planetary movement. 

At the beginning the TAHS students were skeptical of their new assignment but thanks to the excitement and drive shown by their Astronomy teacher, Carolyn Kipps, their minds were put at ease.  When the PVES students arrived, the high school students were finally as excited as their teacher.  Everyone involved gained something positive, whether it be improved communication skills, patience, or teaching skills.

This project wouldn't have been successful without the help of the Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative, Inc. and the Rockingham Educational Foundation, Inc.

Click pics below to see larger versions.