What
Worcester Polytechnic Institute's (WPI) Physics Department will hold the 3rd annual Goddard Cup Competition to honor the "Father of Modern Rocketry," Dr. Robert H. Goddard, who graduated in 1908 from WPI. This annual competition began in 2008 when WPI held a year-long observance of the centennial of his graduation.
Worcester's K-12-aged children and local college students have been invited to participate. Teams will compete for prizes by launching three water rockets at a large ring from a specific distance. The closest rocket wins a trophy for the school, medals for themselves, and their name will be engraved on a plaque that hangs in the Physics Department lounge. This free event is open to the public. Registration is open now through the day of the event. Refreshments and awards will be in Olin Hall, Room 118.
Goddard is one of WPI's best-known and most historically significant alumni. He was the first to use liquid propellants as rocket fuel, and is credited with the first successful launch of a liquid-fueled rocket -- from Auburn, Mass., on March 16, 1926. (For safety reasons, Goddard Cup competitors will use non-combustible water.) See the Water Rocket Competition for more information.
When
Wednesday, June 9, 4-6 p.m. (Rain date: Saturday, June 19, 10 a.m. to noon)
Where
WPI, lawn behind the Campus Center, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, Mass.
