PRIEST RIVER, Idaho — Students at Priest River Elementary School launched a series of 11 mini rockets as a part of the school's annual Astro Day.
The 5th-grade students practiced the space techniques they learned in their science classes.
The students set up circuits and a launch pad and practiced mock NASA procedures.
The class' teacher and event organizer, Chris Naccarato, also invited speakers to come and inspire the students.
One of the speakers was former astronaut Barbara Morgan. She was a part of the training for NASA's Challenger mission.
"There's nothing better than hands-on learning and not just reading about it, but actually doing it," Morgan said.
She said she was honored to come speak to the students.
"Just to be able to be here and remind them that whatever they set their minds to, that their teachers are here to help. Their families are here to help. There are people like me who they've never met before who are behind them 100 percent," she said.
Charlotte Lamp, mother of Spokane native and astronaut Anne McClain, was also present and spoke to the students.
Conie Kimble, the school's principle said the day was just to show students what they can achieve with hard work.
"It gives them the opportunity to have a hands-on opportunity, for the younger kids to see what is coming up in their future. And it really inspires kids to go into ncareer that are realted to STEM activities," Kimble said.
"I think it's a great opportunity, and I hope I can do something like this when I grow up," said one of the students, Meygan Naccarto.
"I hope to go into biochemistry when I get older, and today and getting ready for today was definitely helped me confirm that," said Owen Kinning, another student.