Bowling Green Families Blast Off at Rocketry Event!
This past Saturday, the city of Bowling Green came alive with excitement as families gathered for a spectacular event centered around rockets! The Aviation Heritage Park teamed up with the Green River Regional Educational Cooperative to host a day full of fun, learning, and unforgettable experiences for participants of all ages.
Making Science Fun!
With a special focus on STEAM—that’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math—families explored rocketry through engaging hands-on activities. “STEAM is in every job just about that there is anymore,” shared one of the event organizers, Teri Stice, who directed the GRREC STEM and Computer Science Grant. She emphasized that STEAM education isn’t just for kids who excel academically; it can inspire all learners. “We try to make accessibility a part of our message so kids can see themselves in STEM careers as they get older,” she added.
An Unexpected Range of Enthusiasm
More than 100 families flocked to the aviation park for this exciting six-hour event. One of the standout moments for organizers was seeing such a wide range of ages enthusiastically participating. As Teri noted, “We truly have had 3-year-olds all the way up to some college kids come through and say, ‘Is this just for littles or can we do it too?’ And we’re like, ‘Yeah!’” It was heartwarming to see everyone, from grandparents learning alongside their grandchildren to little ones teaching their parents how to use the flight simulator. Talk about a family bonding experience!
STEM Activities Galore!
At the event, families discovered various booths, each dedicated to a different aspect of STEAM. Kids could engage in activities from building simple rockets to exploring the principles of aerodynamics and design. Upon completing these unique challenges, excited youngsters received prizes, including space-themed books and cute stickers.
Teri shared a fun tidbit about the event’s conclusion, where kids were asked about their experiences. “Some of the questions we ask them at the end is, ‘What was the most challenging of the stations to them?’ It’s really funny because we have heard every single answer. Some kids thought the art station was the hardest while others thought science was the hardest,” she recalled. These reflections allowed for wonderful discussions about individual strengths and interests.
The Grand Rocket Launch!
Without a doubt, the highlight of the day was when children had the chance to build their own model rockets, followed by an exhilarating launch outside! Kids were thrilled as they watched their creations soar into the sky, cheering each other on with gleeful shouts of joy. “The most exciting part was being able to build our very own rockets,” exclaimed one little participant, reflecting the collective enthusiasm felt around the park.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Events like this in Bowling Green nurture a growing interest in STEAM subjects, helping demystify these fields for young learners. The positive atmosphere fostered connections between families, and the smiles of young faces filled the park with wonder and excitement.
With such a successful day under their belt, both the partners at the Aviation Heritage Park and the Green River Regional Educational Cooperative are likely eagerly planning their next adventure. Who knows what thrilling topic they may explore next? One thing is for sure—Bowling Green is all about bringing families together through learning and fun in the skies!
So, keep your eyes on the sky, Bowling Green! There’s no telling where the next launch will take you!
