So, Levi was selected to go to the Ohio State Fair with his "Rockets Away!" 4-H project. We're excited for him to have the experience!
I am admitting that, given the amount of time dedicated to the "presentation" or "decoration" of the rocket, I was very skeptical about any kind of award beyond an "A" ribbon. Levi kept telling me, "It's fine, mom". Somehow, I just wasn't sure the judges would appreciate the aesthetic qualities of duct tape as much as he and his father.
Of course, as it usually is when it comes to all things engineering-related, I was proven wrong. It's not that the rocket was sharp-looking in any sense, but I think the fact that Levi knew what he was talking about, had built the rocket(s), had built a launcher with Eric, and understood the science behind it all counted for a lot. The clincher, though? I can't say for sure, but my guess it was the story and documentation of the final test launches (done 2 days before judging, resulting in the need to completely rebuild a new rocket -- see picture). In the book, the requirement was just to document the height and velocity from launches with different amount of water and/or pressure. Levi and Eric decided, after 8 adventurous launches in 90-degree heat and humidity that ended with Mom running to the store for more 2-liters, that the judges should see exactly what had happened. I'll let the spreadsheet "notes" section speak for itself!
