Nineteen groups of scholars from throughout the nation in grades 8-12 labored for months in lecture rooms, labs, basements, and garages for the chance to check their tasks at NASA’s Glenn Analysis Middle in Cleveland. This spring, the groups’ arduous work was put to the take a look at within the 2.2 Second Drop Tower facility at NASA Glenn.
The “2025 Drop Tower Problem: Paddle Wheel” invited groups to design and construct paddle wheels that rotate in water throughout free fall. The wheels couldn’t rotate by mechanical means. A greater understanding of fluid habits in microgravity might enhance spacecraft methods for cooling, life help, and propellants.
Based mostly on take a look at efficiency, analyses, experiences, the scholars’ strategy to the problem, and extra, the next groups have been recognized because the winners:
- First Place: Arth Murarka, Umar Khan, Ishaan Joshi, Alden Al-Mehdi, Rohnin Qureshi, and Omy Gokul (suggested by David Dutton), Bellarmine School Preparatory, San Jose, California
- Second Place: Emma Lai, Keaton Dean, and Oliver Lai (suggested by Stephen Lai), Houston, Texas
- Third Place: Chloe Benner, Ananya Bhatt, and Surabhi Gupta (suggested by SueEllen Thomas), Pennridge Excessive College, Perkasie, Pennsylvania
“We’re impressed with the number of designs college students submitted for testing in Glenn’s drop tower,” mentioned Nancy Corridor, co-lead for the 2025 Drop Tower Problem. “The groups confirmed vital creativity and background analysis by way of their paddle wheel designs and evaluation of outcomes.”
College students from Bellarmine School Preparatory shared how they navigated by way of the method to earn first place. Utilizing NASA tips and sources accessible to help college students with the problem, the group submitted a analysis proposal, together with two 3D designs. Studying their group was chosen, they reviewed suggestions from the NASA employees and set to work.
To start out, college students pressured that they carried out a considerable amount of analysis and testing of supplies to make use of of their paddle wheels earlier than deciding on the ultimate design.
“I realized that one thing doesn’t have to be tremendous costly or advanced to work,” mentioned pupil Umar Khan. “We discovered that white board sheets or packing peanuts — simply home goods — might be efficient [in the design].”
Pupil Arth Murarka added, “Our authentic design appears to be like quite a bit totally different from the ultimate.”
Bellarmine employees member and group advisor David Dutton helped the scholars get organized to start with of the method, however mentioned they labored independently by way of a lot of the challenge.
As soon as the design was finalized, the group shipped their {hardware} to NASA Glenn. NASA technicians then examined how the paddle wheels carried out within the drop tower, which is used for microgravity experiments.
College students mentioned they studied ideas together with capillary physics and fluid dynamics. Additionally they realized learn how to write a analysis paper, which they mentioned they’ll admire sooner or later.
The group devoted a variety of time to the challenge, assembly day by day and on weekends.
“We realized a variety of helpful abilities and had a variety of enjoyable,” Murarka mentioned. “It was positively value it.”