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Brandon Rocket Class Sparks Interest In Science

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By TOM BRENNAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 27, 2008

BRANDON - Summer classes were a dream come true for Jeb Massaro.

"I really wanted a rocket and never had had one," said Jeb, 8, of Dover.

He and 24 other youngsters assembled rocket kits as part of a program offered at Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association.

The two-week course culminated with the launch of two rockets identical to those built by the students.

The models students built didn't come with gunpowder engines that propel the cardboard-and-plastic rockets 300 to 400 feet skyward, or the igniters to spark the powder. Parents could buy those at local hobby shops if they wanted to take the projects to the next level.

Martha Bleakley and Jessica Dugas, who work for Mad Science of Tampa Bay, taught the classes. Both hope to use the experience to launch full-time teaching careers.

Bleakley said training at the University of South Florida and with Mad Science didn't quite prepare her for the summer classes.

"I've had kids eat parts, put them down their pants," she said. "If they keep them out of their mouths, it's fine."

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