How to Host a Local Competition Use arrow keys to move through program PowerPoint Presentation - Jack Colpas Photos - Kathy Colpas ©2005, 2009, 2012, 2013 All rights reserved

Hosting a Local Contest is as easy as… 3… 2… 1…

3… Build your rockets Launch 2… 1… Choose your Level of Competition Order your rocketry supplies Mark & measure landing spots Award certificates & submit your results

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

Competition **A**Ages 10 to 18 **R**Rockets must be built according to manufacturers instructions **C**Competitors must build, prep and launch their own rocket **O**One rocket per competitor **A**All help is ‘hands-off’ **C**Closest average landing from on-field target after 2 launches wins local event **R**Results are submitted to Competition Headquarters to determine the three National Winners. **3**3 National winners get the opportunity to celebrate under an “October Sky” at Space Camp. See Contest Rules posted at for Detailswww.TheRocketman.net

Rocket Choices There are many Rocket Kits available that qualify. Here are some of the most popular models. *Estes *Estes (Alpha, Alpha III, Gen.E2X) *Quest *Quest (Astra, Astra III) *Custom *Custom (Freedom, Venture) *– or build your own! *Length *Length 11 ½” to 15 ½” Diameter 7/8 ” to 1 ¼ ” Kits come with easy-to-follow instructions.

Engines & Accessories *Launch *Launch with Estes Estes A8-3 Engines or * Quest Quest A6-4 Motors *Electric *Electric ignition from a safe distance *Must *Must use Parachute Recovery *11 *11 ½” to 14 ½“ diameter *Some *Some or all of the ‘spill hole’ may be removed *Maximum *Maximum 4 ¼ “ diameter circle *Standard *Standard Launch Pad & Rod *must *must be no longer than 38 inches

Rocketry Supplies To order go to ??? Not certain what to order ??? Just or call (941) We’ll send a ‘no cost - no obligation’ estimate. Click on “STORE” wwww wwww wwww.... RRRR oooo cccc kkkk eeee tttt CCCC oooo mmmm pppp eeee tttt iiii tttt iiii oooo nnnn.... cccc oooo mmmmor

2… *B*B*B*Build *L*L*L*Launch *B*B*B*Building and launching can take place on separate days Brentwood Elementary FLMS Teachers (Check out the Rocket Drying Rack)

Rocket Construction **C**Contestants must build their own rocket **H**Help is strictly Hands-Off **V**Verbal coaching, demonstration and video instruction are acceptable **N**NOTE: Exceptions for Special Needs competitors are at the discretion of the local contest judges. Girl Scouts of West Central Florida *B*B*B*Build your rockets *D*D*D*Detailed instructions are included with each rocket kit *A*A*A*Approximately 1 ¼ to 1 ½ hours to build *C*C*C*Can be built over several days *S*S*S*See NAR Model Rocket Safety Code at the end of this presentation

Location *Sports fields make great launch sites *Be aware of fire danger *Clear away any dry grass or debris from around the launch pad *Contact local fire department if needed *For safety sake – launch only when winds are below 20 mph *See NAR Model Rocket Safety Code *at the end of this presentation *Set target 30 feet downrange of launch pad *It must be stationary and clearly visible *A dowel and flag or nail through a paper *work fine *A ll participants and spectators must be at a safe distance *At least 15 feet from launch pad *Behind the launch control OCPS Teacher Workshop

Rocket 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 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

Launch * *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!

1… Mark & measure the landings Award certificates & submit your results

Mark & Measure *Mark the first touchdown spot of the tip of the nosecone *Cable marker flags, bamboo skewers, golf tees, nails or screws with small flags make good markers *If judges cannot agree on the spot – landing will be marked halfway between the two spots in question *All that pass safety inspection - launch again *Closest 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 feet *Fill out National Entry Form On Permanent Display at the Astronaut Hall of Fame

Contest 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 winner At G.WIZ

Competition 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

National Entry Form Certifying Results National 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

Quick Reference Guide Rocket Length 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 Parachute Plastic 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 5Non-metal Engines (motors) A8-3A6-4See rules for details Launch Rod Length 38” maximum Launch Angle less than 30° from vertical Target 30’ downrangeClearly visiblestationary

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

If anyone should ask…. Braden River Middle Newton’s Laws force & motion aerodynamics resistance chemistry gravitationmath triangulation friction.. Sarasota Middle “I never knew I could build a rocket. Let alone make it FLY!” Booker Middle School student

Astronauts Reach for the Stars ~ National Rocket Competition & Helping Kids Reach for the Stars ~ Rocketry 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 Competition & Helping Kids Reach for the Stars ~ Rocketry Program are endorsed by: Marcos Pontes Jerry 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 CODE part 1 1. MATERIALS. I will use only lightweight, non-metal parts for the nose, body, and fins of my rocket. 2. MOTORS. 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 the manufacturer. 3. IGNITION SYSTEM. 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 launch switch, and will use a launch switch that returns to the "off" position when released. 4. MISFIRES. 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 wait 60 seconds after the last launch attempt before allowing anyone to approach the rocket. 5. LAUNCH SAFETY. 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 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 and will fly it only after warning spectators and clearing them away to a safe distance. 6. LAUNCHER. 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 will use a blast deflector to prevent the motor's exhaust from hitting the ground. To 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 use.

N.A.R. MODEL ROCKET SAFETY CODE part 2 7. SIZE. 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- 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 with Federal Aviation Administration regulations before flying. 8. FLIGHT SAFETY. 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. 9. LAUNCH SITE. 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 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. LAUNCH SITE DIMENSIONS. Equivalent Motor Type A ~ Minimum Site Dimensions 100 ft 10 RECOVERY SYSTEM. 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 only flame-resistant or fireproof recovery system wadding in my rocket. 11. RECOVERY SAFETY. I will not attempt to recover my rocket from power lines, tall trees, or other dangerous places.

We have everything ready. Jack & Kathy Colpas, program directors (941) Contact us. The kids need your help! Wishing you light winds on launch day! Over 50 years of combined experience as educators.