David Krassner of OMSI Volunteer Services welcomes Franklin High School students to Public Science Day 2003. next photo

On March 4, 2003, students from Mr. Ethan Medley's class at Franklin High School joined OMSI staff and volunteers, OMSI visitors, and a number of fascinating speakers and presenters to mark Public Science Day, and to explore the science of flight.

The day began with a live demonstration of flight, as Mr. Medley's students' tested their glider designs against each other in head to head competition. For more information on the glider design competition, a video clip of a glider in flight, and curriculum information that you can use to bring a glider design competition to your classroom, please see our Glider Design webpage.

While the students tested their gliders, members of the Portland Area Sailplane Society gave an impressive demonstration of model aeronautics, flying several of their radio controlled model gliders and aircraft. You can see video clips of these incredible radio-controlled gliders in flight, and learn how you can get involved in building and flying radio-controlled aircraft, at our Model Aeronautics webpage.

The day was also marked by fascinating demonstrations and presentations on the subject of aircraft design and experimental aircraft. Airplane designer Benton Holzwarth displayed models and plans of some of the airplanes he has built, and discussed with students and OMSI visitors what it's like to build your own planes. At another table, OMSI volunteers also showed students and visitors how to build their own hot air balloons using common household items.

Finally, the event was capped off with a fascinating keynote speech by Tom Demarino. Mr. Demarino, who is currently Vice President of Operations for Advanced Navigation and Positioning Corp. in Hood River Oregon, has throughout his career been in the forefront of experimental aircraft design. In his presentation to the Franklin H.S. students and OMSI visitors, Mr. Demarino discussed the technology and the behind-the-scenes history of these cutting edge aircraft, from the human-powered Gossamer Albatross (the first human-powered aircraft to fly over the English Channel, in 1979), to NASA's latest solar-powered high-altitude aircraft, the Helios.

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