RVC Upward Bound students learn aerodynamics firsthand

From press release

Through a unique, hands-on project, Rock Valley College (RVC) Upward Bound students will launch handmade kites Tuesday, July 20.

The kite-making project is part of an Upward Bound academic enrichment project in which students gain knowledge of the science of aerodynamics through hands-on learning.

Paul Fieber of Fitchburg, Wis., will teach students about aerodynamics and the history of kites and guide the students through the process of creating their own Rokkaku kites.

Upward Bound, a federally-funded program serving students from Belvidere, Harlem, East and Jefferson high schools since 1999, prepares students for success in high school, and eventual college enrollment and graduation. The year-round program provides after-school tutoring, college tours, and a seven-week summer academic program. Each summer, Upward Bound develops a theme that takes an interdisciplinary approach to learning.

“Kites were chosen because their beauty and rich history offer an excellent vehicle for learning about aerodynamics,” said Terri Hlavin, director of Upward Bound at RVC.

Students will spend the day July 19 learning about the history of kites and kite making, and then make their own kite. Kites will be launched on the athletic fields at RVC.

“Kites symbolize so many things for the Upward Bound program and our participants,” said Ebony Caldwell, Upward Bound program manager. “I would like to see all of our students capture the wind and use it as a support to soar to new heights. With our kite project, we will certainly live up to our summer 2010 motto—“Work Hard AND Play Hard.”

Contact Hlavin at (815) 921-4237 or t.hlavin@rockvalleycollege.edu for more info.

From the July 14-20, 2010 issue