I didn’t want to be an astronaut.
I grew up when almost every other child wanted to be an astronaut. We watched the first moon landing live on television. People were zipping around the Earth. I had a dog named Sputnik. But being an astronaut wasn’t on my dream list—The Apollo modules looked pretty tiny, and they fell into the ocean when they came back to earth. I don't like tight spaces and am not a good swimmer, so it didn't interest me!
Space travel is in the news a lot, with pop stars and others taking turns in orbit. But, beyond the hype, the science of how things get into the sky is fascinating.
Recently, I was using the office of our Director of Nursing – she was on leave, having a baby – when I was on our Bismarck Campus. She has a great view of the outdoor play court and the playground from her window, and it was a picture-perfect day. No wind. Temps in the low 70s, and the sun was bright, but not blinding.
Around 10:30 AM, a classroom full of science students, teachers, paraprofessionals, and other interested people took over the concrete area. They were pulling a cart with a bunch of brightly decorated somethings on it. I could see a bike pump, and then one of the teachers started handing out safety glasses. She also put down what I was soon to learn was a launch pad!
The students took turns putting their 2-liter pop bottle rockets to the test. They placed their rocket on the launch pad. Everyone put on their safety glasses. They connected the bike pump and filled the rocket with as much air pressure as the child could create. When the bottle was “full,” everyone stepped back, and the child pushed the launch button. Whoosh! The rocket propelled up, at least most of the time, and the attached parachutes brought them gently down to the ground.
After each rocket was retrieved, I watched the teachers discuss with the group what was successful, how the fins were attached, whether the cone at the top was helpful, and how much pressure they had created. The kids were engaged and even proud.
Every one of these kids has been through so much. Very few have had previous school success. Many have been sidelined from learning because of their behaviors, family dysfunction, mental health issues, and trauma. Yet, with the patience of truly special professionals and teachers, they learn that science is pretty cool. They open their minds to learning more!
One of the children who built rockets at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch had come to us labelled as “unteachable.” He is now finishing a master's degree in Physics, after already completing his bachelor's and master's degrees in Chemistry.
He is studying to become an astronaut.
Please stop and say a prayer for the children and staff of Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. These stories only happen because of your prayers and support.
In His love,
Joy Ryan, President/CEO
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch
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