02-080
For Release: November 15, 2002

Katherine K. Martin
Media Relations Office
216/433-2406
katherine.martin@grc.nasa.gov

Lori J. Rachul
Media Relations Office
216/433-8806
lori.j.rachul@grc.nasa.gov

Young Astronauts To Test Skills

Hundreds of students will once again make their annual pilgrimage to NASA's Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio, for the tenth annual Young Astronaut Day. The students, in grades K-12, will participate in competitive activities designed to help stimulate an interest in aeronautics, space science and engineering.

Starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, the students will be given instructions and encouragement by a Glenn rocket scientist and organizers of the event. Pilots (6th grade and younger) will then meet in Glenn's Main Cafeteria, while Commanders (7th grade and older) will at the same time convene in the Administration Building Auditorium for the competition portion of the event.

Activities include a Bridge Building Challenge to determine largest strength to weight ratio, the Tower of Babel to build the tallest tower for the least amount of dollars, and Airplane Computer Optimization to demonstrate some of the tradeoffs involved in airplane design. The event will conclude at 4:30 with judging of the teams' results and presenting of awards to the best teams.

Glenn's Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology Office and the Northern Ohio Section of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) are sponsoring this event.

A list of schools and organizations participating follows.

Media representatives who are interested in covering the activities should call Katherine Martin or the Media Relations Office 216-433-2901 in order to be cleared through security.

PILOT TEAMS (Grades K-6)

Ashland City Talent Development , Ashland

Birchwood Schools, Cleveland

Grace Brethren Home School, Centerburg

Ledgemont Super Scientists, Thompson

COMMANDER TEAMS (Grades 7-12)

Ashland Middle School, Ashland

B.S.A. Space Engineers, Garfield Heights

Birchwood Schools, Cleveland

Civil Air Patrol, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Clinton-Medina Middle School, Medina

Grace Brethren Home School, Centerburg

James Ford Rhodes School, Cleveland

Magnificat High School, Rocky River

Memorial Junior High School, Mentor

Rangers Science Group, Cleveland

Urban Community School, Cleveland

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