Parent's Information For

Parent's Information for 4-H Olympic Peninsula Rocketry

Club Leader: John Ludwig Phone: 360 385-0341 Cell 360 301-2621 Email: [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is model rocketry?

The basic goal is simple: to safely launch a vehicle and payload into the air, accurately record the event, and recover the vehicle and payload intact so that it can be flown again. The emphasis is on science rather than recreational value; ideally a rocket is built to test a simple scientific principle.

If you have seen the movie "October Sky", you will understand why kids are fascinated by rocketry and how valuable the experience can be later in life. Additionally, the movie underlines how important it is to follow good safety practices and to develop good scientific, construction and organizational skills.

Olympic Peninsula Rocketry (OPROC) was started in 2005 as a 4-H based club, largely to offer an aerospace project in Jefferson County, Washington State. OPROC also offers a safe way for both children and adults to experiment with model rockets. We have in place a safe, adult supervised activity. The National Association of Rocketry has a time tested safety code which we teach and follow. The NAR estimates that over 600 million safe model rockets have been flown since it's founding in 1957, and No serious injuries or fatal injuries have ever resulted from using NAR certified rocket motors, and following NAR safety procedures.

What will my child get out of this 4-H club? Isn't it just a hobby?

"Rocket Science" covers a lot of ground: physics, mathematics, electronics, computer science, engineering, biology, medicine, geology, astronomy etc. If your child in interested in science but doesn't want to just read books about science, rocketry is an ideal activity. Nope, it's not just book learning; there is a considerable amount of manual work involved in building, finishing, launching and recovering model rockets. Since model rocket performance depends at least as much on construction and operation as it does on design, completing even the simplest model rocket will challenge a Person’s knowledge and skill.

The 4-H experience, combined with the sense of community prevalent among rocketry enthusiasts, offers plenty of opportunities for developing organizational, social, and leadership skills. The strict rules and procedures a typical rocket club follows to conduct a public launch, gives young people a chance to develop skills that are difficult to learn outside of organizations such as 4-H.

The hobby rocket community as a whole expects a lot from its members: a large majority of adult hobbyists are BARS (Born Again Rocketeers) and have no problem remembering that this hobby is AWAYS ultimately youth-oriented. Rocket people routinely and enthusiastically share construction and finishing techniques, technical knowledge, and even equipment. Some people in the community spend a lot of money buying rockets and equipment so as to "keep up with the Joneses." But a person who builds all his rockets and equipment from scratch, minimizes his expenses, does his own research and freely shares his knowledge and experience is greatly admired. The sheer scale and sophistication of many hobby projects requires a community that knows how to communicate, and few groups of people are more gregarious and cooperative than hobby rocketeers.

From all this, it should be no surprise that participation in a youth rocketry program offers unique career opportunities for young people with enthusiasm for science. Academic scholarships are available through participation in 4-H and in the National Association of Rocketry (which sponsors participation in such programs as the Team Rocketry Challenge and NASA Student Launch Initiative, etc.) Technical military programs and universities actively recruit applicants that demonstrate academic innovative, community involvement and leadership skills outside the public school system. Finally, skilled professional contacts can be made within larger rocket communities: many adult hobbyists are highly skilled professionals in a wide variety of scientific, technical, and engineering fields.

1 Isn't rocketry pretty expensive?

Like any other activity you CAN spend a lot of money if you want to. Commercially available designed kits, accessories, parts and launch systems can get expensive, especially as the projects get larger. But as I mentioned above, the rocket community encourages its members to "do it thyself". Personally, I am frugal by nature and tend to find bargains when possible. I shop for discount kits on eBay, www.hobbylinc and other online vendors whom I trust to give me good service. As they say it pays to look for the bargains.

The beginner kits included in our club's range box cover a wide range of kits. From a paper rocket to rocket kits requiring more time an effort to complete. There is no need to purchase a control/launch system - the club will provide this for all regular club launches. Motors are likely to be the largest expense of any rocket enthusiast; but model rocket motors are relatively cheap: a 24 pack of Estes A-B-C class motors ( Blastoff pack - enough to last an active flyer a couple of months ) cost less than $37.00 at www.hobbylink.com 35% off list price.

Will I / my child be protected by some kind of insurance?

As an enrolled 4-H member you and/or your child are covered by insurance through Jefferson County 4-H for all activities related to the club. This includes 4-H meetings, 4-H sponsored events, fairs, and other events the club members might attend as part of their club activities. The club can also obtain event insurance to cover liability for outside visitors to club-sponsored activities.

What's the difference between model rocketry and, um, other kinds?

A model rocket is defined by the National Association of model Rocketry as a rocket that meets the requirements of the NAR Model Rocket Safety Code. Among other requirements, it must be below a certain weight while using no more than a certain amount of propellant. Model rockets must be constructed with a bare minimum of "dangerous" materials such as metals, hardwood, hard plastic and glass. Any rocket that flies with an engine class A-E is generally considered a "model rocket ".

A “mid-powered rocket" generally flies with an motor class "F and G". These rockets are generally heavier, but may be considered models if they meet the NAR safety code. Otherwise they are considered "High Power" rockets.

The NAR has another safety code for larger rockets: the NAR High Power Rocket Safety Code. Engine classes up to "O" can be flown under this code, if all other aspects of the Safety Code are adhered to. In addition, the NAR requires that the NAR member flying "H" class motors or above be Certified at the appropriate level. Level 1 members may fly H class motors, and need only construct, successfully fly, and recover (in the presence of a certified witness) a rocket capable of handling motors of those classes. Level 2 requires the member to pass a basic knowledge test as well as make a successful flight with “J -L class motor". Level 3 is stricter yet, but with Level 3 certification one can fly anything up to “O “class. Larger engine classes, non-certified motors and fuels, and other projects not allowed under NAR HPR Code are overseen by Tripoli Rocketry Association - another national amateur rocket organization that focuses on larger, "blue sky" projects. At the high end of the hobby there is very little difference either in expertise, project sophistication, or expenditure between amateurs and professionals Requirements for Parents of 4-H Club Members:

In order for your child to participate in the 4-H rocket club you/he/she must fill out and turn in a membership enrollment form and 4-H Code of Conduct form, and return these forms to the 4-H Club leader of Olympic Peninsula Rocketry. This is required for insurance purposes, and promptness in this regard will make it easier for me to do my part to organize this club quickly and make it a success.

Like any other 4-H club, this club will require a serious commitment in time and attention from your child, and not an inconsiderable amount of support from you. It will NOT require a large amount of money, some fractions of the club's time will be spent doing fund-raising activities i.e. a car wash to support club projects and sponsor public launch events and demonstrations.

All members will be strongly urged to complete all eight 4-H year-end requirements. List of all eight 4-H requirements included in study book. Record Books will be used to track project expenses, document and record projects, and keep notes of meetings and events. At the beginning level these record books need not be too detailed, but as members gain experience record keeping is expected to be comprehensive. A well kept 4-H record book helps club members increase their chances of winning awards in the County and State Fair competitions; regular maintenance of this record book is also a requirement to advance in skill levels within this club. If a club member cannot maintain a record book, he/she's ability to participate in club projects and activities may be limited.

Jefferson County 4-H Year End Requirements

Year End Pins Jefferson County 4H members completing the following goals will receive a 4H year pin. Each new member of this club will be required to complete the following:

1. Attend all club meetings (absences must be authorized) 2. Participate in at least one 4H Council-sponsored event or workshop. 3. Participate in at least one 4H Community Service activity. 4. Participate in Two 4H Council-sponsored fairground workdays 2- four hour work days. 5. Give a Presentation (Demonstration) at club meeting, county spring event, and /or at Jefferson County Fair. 6. Participate and exhibit at the Jefferson County Fair. 7. Complete the commitment of his/her major project. 8. Complete one project posters for Jefferson county Fair Project 9. Turn in a record book or scrapbook

Olympic Peninsula Rocketry Requirements. New/old Members

1. Build and finish three model rocket kits (included in Range box). For entry in Jefferson County fair 2. Complete the following, Rocketry Knowledge and the NAR Safety Code Test. 3. Pass a short test on all the above worksheets. 4. Attend all regular club meetings, launches and events. (Absence is excused only by contacting club leader). 5. Assist in setup of range equipment prior to a club launch 6. Participate in all club launches: launch rocket(s), assist in safety and recovery activities at a club launch event. 7. Participate in all club fund raising projects 9. Please be on time for meetings and events.

Activity sessions will be scheduled with meetings in order to help members meet the requirements listed above. However, I encourage parents to actively support and participate in study sessions, model rocket building and launch activities with their child outside of club activities. Building and flying rockets does involve some time and a small risk, but the best way to avoid problems is to be thoroughly familiar with the subject. And who knows? You might become hooked on the hobby yourself.

We have regular club meetings 2nd. & 4th. Tuesday of each month Beginning around October 1st - the start of the 4-H year.

Project work sessions and club launch events will also be occurring at least once a month (Weather permitting in winter / spring months). Members of the club are expected to make ALL the meetings and ALL events. I will do my best to avoid scheduling conflicts, but keep in mind that my priority to ensure that all club members get the best possible experience out of 4-H rocketry; your communication and cooperation as parents, as well as members with this goal is essential.

Last, but not least: I am not a chauffeur, nor a baby sitter. I will not accept responsibility for getting members to and from meetings and events, and I will not spend an unreasonable amount of time entertaining your child if you are late picking them up. I hope you will appreciate that my time (and my sanity!) are as valuable as yours. Please be on time! 3 Club projects and Goals:

Basic Skills: The 4-H experience: Record Books/ Scrap Books and Presentation/ Demonstrations, 4-H Building Hosting, Posters, 4-H In Action . -Rocket construction techniques-NAR Safety Code- Rocket engine power classes- Rocket stability and performance. -Design process, documentation, and reporting -Altitude prediction, tracking and data reduction -Range safety and launch control procedures -computer simulation techniques -Internet research and communication -peer mentoring and community leadership

4-h Club Advancement Steps At all levels, members must be familiar with NAR Safety Code and club Code of Conduct. Each club member must maintain a 4-H Record Book, which should include a ledger to track expenses for there club activities, and a project log that describes the purpose, procedures, results and conclusion of each activity. Research notes and materials should also be kept in the record book.

4-H Rocketry Advancement Levels

Step 1 Beginner (New Member) - Study and Pass Test on NAR Safety Code and Rocket Nomenclature. Begin 4-H Scrap book or record Book and attend 4-H Council Sponsored Event on same. Build (3) three model rockets included in Range Box (w/ assistance from Club Leader at club meetings ) Finish model rockets, Prep, launch and recover successfully without damage at a club launch. Upon completion of each rockets successful launch and recovery, a certification of flight will be issued. This will allow your child to enter his/her rocket in county/state fair.

Step 2 Novice Study and pass test on NAR Safety Code, engine classes, basic terminology. Build, Finish and test an 18mm payload rocket with minimal adult help. Prep, and Launch with a raw egg as payload and recover successfully without damage at club launch. Write and present results. 300 word document minimum. Build, finish and launch an 18mm 2-Stage rocket with minimal adult help, Prep and recover successfully without damage at club launch. Must assist beginning members through Step #1

Step 3 Intermediate Study and Pass test on rocket design, altitude prediction, and altitude procedures. Write and present a short talk on rocket construction or design issue. 300 word document Design a single stage rocket of any size, to be constructed from scratch, Build, Finish and stability test. Write and present a report on the design process, with a prediction of altitude and flight Duration with at least 2 different engines Prep, and launch successfully without damage at a club launch. Rocket must come within 10% of predicted attitude and Flight duration; unsuccessful flights must be recorded and steps must be suggested and followed up until a successful Launch is made. Serve as a crew chief of an altitude tracking crew. Write up and present tracking results

Step 4 Advanced Study and pass test on range safety and launch control procedures. Build a boost glider, a cluster powered rocket, and a 24mmm 2 stage rocket. Each may be from a pre-design kit. Build and Finish. Write and present a report on expected performance of each, and successfully pass a “paint finish” Inspection. Report on results 500 word document. Serve as RSO (Range Safety Officer ) at a club launch. Write up and present a report suggesting one way safety could be inproved at a club launch. Mentor a beginning member through Step 2. OPROC Doc. Updated 10/11/09

Jefferson County 4-H Year End Requirements

Year End Pins Jefferson County 4H members completing the following goals will receive a 4H year pin. Each new member of this club will be required to complete the following:

1. Attend all club meetings (absences must be authorized) 2. Participate in at least one 4H Council-sponsored event or workshop. 3. Participate in at least one 4H Community Service activity. 4. Participate in Two 4H Council-sponsored fairground workdays 2- four hour work days. 5. Give a Presentation (Demonstration) at club meeting, county spring event, and at Jefferson County Fair. 6. Jefferson County Fair 3 day fair: Participate and exhibit (Minimum 3 hours per day) 7. Complete the commitment of his/her major project. 8. Complete one project posters or tri-fold (maximum three) for Jefferson County Fair 9. Turn in a record book or scrapbook

Olympic Peninsula Rocketry Requirements. New/old Members

1. Bring to meetings your binder/and all your tools in range box. 2. Build and finish three model rocket kits. For entry in Jefferson County fair 3. Complete the following, Rocketry Knowledge and the NAR Safety Code Test. 4. Pass a short test on all the above worksheets. 5. Attend all regular club meetings, launches and events. (Absence is excused only by contacting club leader). 6. Assist in setup of range equipment prior to a club launch 7. Participate in all club launches: assist in launching, safety procedures and recovery activities at a club launch or event. 8. Participate in all club fund raising projects 9. Please be on time for meetings and events.