Youths were not the only ones who received a lot of training related to the Astro Camp recently held by the Attala County Library.
Alicia Gibson and Lindsay Fitts, who directed the camp, had to complete an intense training program with the John C. Stennis Space Center before the local Astro Camp could be held. Now a space camp certified by NASA, each participant who recently completed the program received a certificate and were able to enjoy a pizza party celebration.
Activities during the camp were varied, and on the day The Star-Herald visited, students were figuring out the magnetic field of Mars and predicting the trajectory of rockets. Other activities students enjoyed during the sessions were using flour and cocoa to explain how meteors hit, watching films from NASA, and exploding propellant to mimic the thrust of a rocket.
“I liked exploding Mentos in Coke,” said participant Alex Cruz. The Mentos were dropped into soda cans then launched through a special device. Several students mentioned that activity as one of their favorites.
“It was probably the one they enjoyed the most,” instructor Gibson said.
Several students said they were happy to hear that NASA plans to return to the moon.
“I liked seeing how astronauts brush their teeth in space,” said Ann Louise Phillips.
One student’s enjoyment was a little more down to earth.
“I enjoyed meeting new people,” said Jada Hogan.
Approximately 25 students participated in the camp, and both Gibson and Fitts said they feel it was a great success.
“Absolutely. They had a great time,” said Gibson when asked if the library will run the program again in the future.
