MEDIA ADVISORY
300 ROCKETS TO BE LAUNCHED BY TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
Hands-On STEAM Project at Fiesta Island Fuels Interest in Science
WHAT: Taft Middle School students are reaching new heights at the Second Annual Rocket Launch. Students in grades 6–8 have designed, built, and branded their own model rockets, each featuring a custom logo. The rockets are expected to soar up to 1000 feet in the air in a visual display of student creativity and Science Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) learning. (Editor Note: Link to videos/images of students working on rockets, past launches)
WHY: This engaging project combines science, engineering, art, and teamwork, giving students a real world application of classroom concepts, with an emphasis on aerospace engineering and the cutting edge field of rocketry. The event showcases San Diego Unified’s commitment to hands-on, high-interest learning experiences that inspire the next generation of STEAM innovators.
WHEN: Friday, May 9, 2025, 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
LAUNCH SCHEDULE:
- 10:45 a.m. Media are encouraged to arrive for setup and student interviews. Please check-in at the Taft tent by the entry gate.
- 11:15am: Synchronized countdown and rocket launch.
WHERE: Fiesta Island, Fiesta Island Aerial
WHO (interviews available):
- Taft Middle School 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students
- Hortencia E. Garcia-Rubio, Principal, Taft Middle School (bilingual)
- Ms. Cara White, 8th Grade Science teacher
- John Pacente, Vocational Steamworks Director & Industry Partners
- Taft teachers and staff
- Families of Taft Middle School students
VISUALS:
- 300 colorful, student-designed rockets blasting off
- Interviews with bilingual Taft Middle School students
- Custom logo created by student featured on each rocket
BACKGROUND: Over the course of two weeks, Taft Middle School students worked in small teams to design, build, and prepare model rockets. The hands-on project gives students the opportunity to explore concepts in science, engineering, and design thinking. Following the launch at Fiesta Island, each team will document their process and create a short video to reflect on their experience and share what they learned.
Taft Middle School is proud to offer a Spanish Dual Language Immersion (SLIM) program, where students engage in a one-period, balanced literacy course taught entirely in Spanish. The course is designed to develop independent, critical readers, writers, listeners, and speakers, while fostering a deeper appreciation of the histories and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. As part of the SLIM program, students study science concepts in Spanish while also expanding their knowledge of Spanish grammar and its practical applications.
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Media Contacts and RSVP to: James Canning, 313-580-2845, jcanning@sandi.net, or Mike Murad, 619-925-4790, mmurad@sandi.net.
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Thanks,
Mike
Mike Murad
Public Information Coordinator
San Diego Unified School District
mmurad@sandi.net | www.sandiegounified.org
Mobile Phone: 619-925-4790
4100 Normal Street, San Diego, CA 92103
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