On a mission to inspire the next generation of aerospace enthusiasts, the Aircraft Operations Lab at UC3M recently carried out an exciting outreach activity at the Elementary School Teresa Berganza in Boadilla del Monte, Madrid. Led by the Lab Coordinator, Manuel Soler, this initiative engaged 1st-year students in a hands-on aerospace experience that combined creativity, science, and a love for space exploration.
This outreach event was closely linked to the publication of La Astropatrulla Basurilla, a children’s book written by Manuel Soler. The book’s protagonist and his patrol embark on their own space adventure, building a rocket to orbit Earth and tackle a critical cosmic challenge—cleaning up floating space junk. Inspired by this story, students participated in a two-session activity that brought the book’s themes to life.
During the first session, students built their very own water rockets in class, following detailed instructions and using carefully provided materials. This hands-on approach allowed them to grasp fundamental aerodynamics and engineering principles while having fun constructing their spacecraft.
In the second session, excitement soared as the students took to the playground to launch their rockets. Witnessing their creations take flight was a thrilling and educational moment, reinforcing key concepts about propulsion and physics in a highly engaging manner.
The initiative was a resounding success, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm among the young participants!