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

  • Pack 4 Webelos, Concord

  • Sherwood Middle School, Columbus

  • St. Adalbert School, Berea

  • University Schools, Shaker Heights

  • Windsor Elementary School, Elyria

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