PCES students shoot for the stars with space, rocket project
Photo by Alison James Among 5th graders completing space- and rocket-related projects for an AMSTI unit at Phil Campbell Elementary were (back row, left to right) Aaliyah Prince, Madylynn Mann, Marielos Zepeda, (front row left to right) Seth Varney, Braden Douthit and Andrew Ergle.
News, Phil Campbell
 By  Alison James Published 
10:01 am Wednesday, March 29, 2017

PCES students shoot for the stars with space, rocket project

Phil Campbell Elementary 5th graders took education out of this world during a recent AMSTI science unit. Building off a kit on aerospace and astronomy, students were tasked with studying the solar system and designing spacecrafts based on provided data.

“I gave them the option of either creating a solar system showing all the parts of a solar system – including meteors and an asteroid belt – or creating their spaceship,” teacher Lorie Dorroh explained. “We have had a host of beautiful projects.”

Principal Jackie Ergle said the school always tries to put up displays, like the space and rocket display, for parents and students to view and enjoy. “The kids love to see them when they walk by. They’re really curious,” Ergle said.

Also on Franklin County Times
The sky turned black, and he lived to tell it
Main, News, Phil Campbell, ...
By Brady Petree, Addie Broadfoot For the FCT 
April 29, 2026
PHIL CAMPBELL — By the time April 27, 2011, arrived, Rodney Smith had already grown accustomed to the warnings. For days, sirens had gone off across F...
EMA warns: Don’t rely on storm sirens
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 29, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Franklin County EMA Director Mary Glass said outdoor warning sirens should not be residents’ primary alert system during severe weather...
Ex-principal recalls lost students, teacher
Main, News, Phil Campbell, ...
SEARED IN THEIR MEMORIES
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
April 29, 2026
PHIL CAMPBELL — On the morning of April 27, 2011, Phil Campbell Elementary School (PCES) Principal Jackie Ergle was aware of the threat of severe weat...
West Elementary hosts Careers on Wheels
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 29, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — West Elementary students climbed into concrete trucks, explored emergency vehicles, and learned about skilled trades during the school’...
Cultura Garden Club spotlights pollinators
Columnists, News, Opinion, ...
HERE AND NOW
April 29, 2026
Bees, butterflies and plenty of garden talk filled the room as Cultura Garden Club members gathered at North Highlands Church of Christ in Russellvill...
State should broaden its readiness definition
Columnists, Opinion
April 29, 2026
Families across Alabama are asking hard and necessary questions about what’s next for their high school students. What’s the right path for my child? ...
Local group seeks to help veterans
Franklin County, News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 29, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Veterans in Franklin County who need help with groceries, transportation, meals, wellness checks and caregiver support may not always k...
Free CPR, home safety programs offered
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 29, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — The Russellville Fire Department is offering free CPR classes, smoke detector installation and home safety inspections as part of an ex...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *