Science in the Southwest

3/22/2024

Day 4

Sorenne - Today we went to the botanical gardens and Pima Air and Space Museum. I learned about the many advancements we made in aircraft, space technology, and watercraft when competing with the Soviet Union. Later, when we were strolling through the gardens, I admired the many varieties of cactus, flowers, and numerous other plants. We even spotted an Atlas moth, which is the largest type of moth, and a variety of other colorful butterflies with beautiful and intricate patterns.

Ian - I learned about the Cold War and about how the Blackbird was innovative as it could travel nearly 2200 mph and needed to be made out of titanium as it was so fast that the metal needed to be able to expand while being lightweight. It was so fast that it was impossible for the USSR to shoot it down with its missiles, allowing the US to have a nearly invincible spy plane.

Jacob - Today, I learned how impactful satellites have been in controlling other nations through the air. Satellites are an innovation from the Cold War that has continued to improve over the years and taken over many of the war techniques and strategies from before. Satellites allow for gaining information, research, and spying on other countries secretly without the risk of casualties. This had allowed for spy planes to get out of commission.

Maggie - Today, we went to the Pima Space and Air Museum, where we did a special Cold War tour of the planes. We learned about US innovation in space engineering and airplanes due to the Cold War. Specifically, we spent time looking at a beautiful blackbird - a spy plane that can go up to Mach 3 speeds - and learned how it evaded Soviet Missiles simply by being so insanely fast. Our tour guide was insanely knowledgeable and interested in the subject, making our trip extremely memorable. I think I can speak for all of us when I say that my interest in airplanes and aerospace was definitely piqued by this experience.

PS: We did finally find the coyote and he seems to be in fine condition. Unfortunately, I suspect the roadrunner isn’t too far behind.

Emily - Today was our last day in Tucson! We visited the Pima Air and Space Museum. Our awesome tour guide took us around the hangers and outdoor area. We learned a ton about the fighter jets of WW2 and the Space Race. After this, we had a relaxing afternoon strolling around the Tuscon Botanical Gardens, looking at all the plant life native to the Southwestern United States. And to top it off, we had an AMAZING sushi dinner!

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