MUSKEGON, Michigan USA — More than 500 elementary school students are expected in downtown Muskegon on Friday morning to launch an annual rocket competition.

The Michigan Aerospace Challenge will feature student-built rockets and hands-on science activities for elementary, middle school and high school students over two days, Friday and Saturday.

The program is funded by the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District and its Regional Mathematics and Science Center.

Elementary rocket launches are scheduled for 9:45-11 a.m., 11:45-12:30 p.m. and 1-1:30 p.m. Friday.

Middle and high school student teams will begin their two-day statewide high-power rocket competition Friday. Students will showcase their knowledge of math and science principles by presenting student-made rockets that are capable of reaching altitudes of 3,000 feet before splashdown in Muskegon Lake. Volunteer judges will be examining rockets and interviewing members of the teams to determine the winners.

The middle and high school students also will attend a presentation by Col. Jack Lousma, an astronaut, at 1:30 p.m. in the Hilt Building, 425 W. Western Avenue.

The event will conclude Saturday with the launch of the 21 high-power rockets built by student teams from West Michigan schools, including Muskegon Technical Academy. A team from Community United Methodist Church and Boy Scout Troop 1023 of Fruitport also will compete.

Saturday's launch is open to the public and begins at 8 a.m. at the Mart Dock property on Muskegon Lake. The closing awards ceremony will follow the final launch.

Copyright © 2008, The Muskegon Chronicle.