James Capuano prepares for launch of his lego-rocket car

Under the guidance of school scientist, Paul Rodamore, students at East Bay Career Academy spent over a week investigating the design, construction and operation of custom-designed cars made from lego building bricks.  Each car was fueled by a solid propulsion rocket engine from Estes Rockets, and was guided along a 30 m track using a heavy gauge steel wire to prevent off-target trajectories.  Timing devices were set up along the track to assist the students in calculating the speed and acceleration of the rocket cars. 

The final stage of the launch involved a collision with a barrier at the end of the track enclosed in a steel wire cage.  All launches were conducted with utmost safety precautions enforced, including having the students view the launches which took place outside the academy from the safety of the classroom.

the aftermath