Only -50 days, 9 hours, 51 minutes ...until Launch 2009!

	Sheboygan Weather Temperature: 43° F (6° C) Wind Chill:   Wind Direction: N Wind Speed: 0 mph Skies: Clear Visability: 10 Mile(s)

	New! WI Space Grant High School Rocket Competition Announcement of Opportunity

	News and Announcements 2008 Photos Available Inquire here Rocket Launch Lodging Hotel Information (pdf) Make your reservations by April 15, 2009! Volunteer Opportunities Sign up to volunteer at this year's event today. Help is needed in a variety of areas from Thursday, May 14 - Saturday, May 16, 2009. 2009 Schedule Available Schedule of Events (pdf)

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 Mark Lee. Students were briefed on the different aspects of the launch and were given a tour of the different launch stations. About 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, middle and high schools launches have involved students from Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and Iowa. In 2001, students from Sheboygan County were involved in the first elementary rocket launch. This event provides an opportunity for students to participate in aerospace technology and rocket launches, learn about rocket construction, and perform as part of a team.

Goal and Value of the Program
The goal of Rockets for Schools is to:

• Make science exciting
• To stimulate the academic interest in science, math and technology in Students in grades 4 through 12
• To aid and encourage students and the public in future aerospace pursuits

Rockets for Schools provides students in grades 4-12 with a well-rounded experience:

• Helps develop team-building skills
• Provides access, knowledge, and participation in a space launch
• Stimulates the learning process in all areas, particularly math, science and technology
• A chance for students to meet a U.S. astronaut 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 also participated.

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 on the exciting event, contact:

Rockets for Schools
PO Box 684
Sheboygan, WI 53082-0684

Phone: 920.458.6299
Web: http://www.rockets4schools.org