We’ve never had a video of a winning flight at any of the Rochester area Science Olympiad meets but we do now, and I thought you’d enjoy seeing every exciting second as the girls’ model managed to avoid a bunch of obstacles, including a wall, and complete an exciting two minute flight accompanied by various screams, oohs, and ahs from spectators. I believe it was one of the girls’ mother who shot the video.
For those of your reading this who may be unfamiliar with the Science Olympiad, it’s an annual nationawide competition held in two classes: one for junior high and another for high schools. Students compete as a school team in a wide assortment of hands-on science-related categories, such as astronomy, physics, biology, engineering, and more. Winning teams go to state competitions and from there to a national meet. The flying event is known as “The Wright Stuff” and requires competitors to build a rubber band-powered airplane to certain specifications in involving dimensions, structure, and weight. Two official flight are allowed, with the longest being used for scoring. A two minute flight such as this one is an excellent effort, especially considering the young ladies are not hard core model plane enthusiasts. The models weigh just over 8 grams and their framework is covered with a very light weight plastic film.
By the way, that gray-haired gentleman standing by on the floor is yours truly, acting as one of three timers for each official flight. I’ve been involved with the Science Olympiad as mentor and event director since the late 1990’s.
http://youtu.be/iqkp1f5F-n4
Bob Clemens
Received on Mon Feb 02 2015 - 13:10:53 CET