Karratha Senior High School rockets soar to new heights as fellow classmates gather for launch

Excitement filled the air as Karratha Senior High School students of all ages gathered on Karratha Leisureplex oval to watch the launch of rockets meticulously crafted by the school’s Space and Rocketry club. The spectacle, organised by science teacher Timothy Okonkwo, showcased the culmination of a year’s worth of hard work and innovation. Initiated last year by Mr Okonkwo, the Space and Rocketry Club provides students with an opportunity to build rockets throughout the school year. The fruits of their labour are then unveiled to the rest of the school in a grand display during Term 4. Due to the overwhelming success of the club, it continued into the current year with a fresh cohort of enthusiastic science students, along with participants from organisations such as the Clontarf Foundation, the Stars Foundation, and the Big Picture Academy. Karratha Senior High School head of science Dhiv Sri said the club had driven an uptick in students’ interest in science. He said the initial rocket-building process took three to four months, but with the experience gained from the previous year and the dedication of returning club members, they can now complete a rocket in just one month. “The club helps kids develop 21st-century skills required in the workforce, such as critical thinking, team building, brainstorming, and problem-solving,” Mr Sri said. “Students collaboratively design rockets by working as a team, engaging in brainstorming sessions, and exploring various approaches.” Sharing his experience, Karratha Senior High School student and club member Steven Gadia revealed the challenges encountered during the rocket-building journey. He explained the team started from the ground up, attaching fins — a task that proved somewhat tricky. The students then constructed the space within the rocket to house the engine, equipping it with special blocks for stability. Applying wadding paper to prevent the rocket from igniting added an extra layer of complexity. “The hardest part was getting everyone to work together as a team, especially with the influx of new members this year who needed a bit more time to figure things out,” he said. As the rockets soared into the sky, it was not just a display of technical prowess but a testament to the collaborative spirit and innovation fostered by the Space and Rocketry club at Karratha Senior High School.