2003 Photo album - Water Rocket Workshop by the Magical Science Virtual Lab program

As part of The Magical Science Virtual Lab program, a Water Rocket Workshop was held at Milkwood Primary on the 8 October 2003 to celebrate World Space Week. Magical Science researched, designed and produced educator worksheets, posters on Newton' Laws of Motion, water rocket launcher systems (designed and manufactured by Magical Science) and fun-filled program of events for the learners and educators from Milkwood and TM Ndanda Primary schools and Cape St Blaize College.

Learners took time out from their normal school routine to learn about the principals of rocket flight. Learners were divided into groups according to their grade and took turns to join us outdoors for the workshop. After a short lesson about rocket flight, the learners took turns watching and launching the water rockets. Carefully observing the different flight patterns based on the amount of water, air pressure and container size.

At the end of the group sessions, all the learners re-assembled to watch the launch of several solid fuel sport rockets. The participating schools received an Educator's Resource Guide, Posters on Newton's Laws of Motion and a water rocket launcher and pump for their science centre. In addition, 100 water rockets were given away on a lucky draw basis to learners.

"Space provides a unique vantage-point from which to study the natural environment on the grandest possible scale and from which to to deliver communications, Earth observation and positioning / navigation services to people on the ground. Space science and technology form as much a part of the social, cultural and political landscape today as oceanic exploration did 300 years ago. The use of space for development in Africa presents opportunities that cannot be ignored, and South Africa is uniquely positioned to respond to these opportunities."
Dr Peter Martinez, National Working Group on Space Science & Technology