More than 350 primary, secondary, high school and vocational training students have participated in the fifth edition of the Water Rockets competition, an initiative promoted by the Facsa Chair of Innovation in the Integrated Water Cycle of the Universitat Jaume I to foster interest in science, technology and innovation among students in the Valencian Community.
The activity, held at the athletics track of the UJI's Riu Sec campus, challenges participants to design, build, and launch a water rocket, applying concepts previously learned in the classroom. This year, 47 teams from various schools in the provinces of Castellón and Valencia participated, completing two rounds of launches during a day marked by curiosity, creativity, and teamwork.
The competition was attended by Elena Llopis, advisor of Facsa; Rafa Ferrer, head of Institutional Relations of Facsa in Castellón; and Guillermo Berlanga, director of Innovation of Facsa, who accompanied the students during the development of the activity.
The day began with an official welcome from David Cabedo, Vice-Rector for Innovation, Transfer, and Scientific Outreach at UJI, and Julio Moyano, Director of the Higher School of Technology and Experimental Sciences. Following this, Raúl Martínez, president of the jury, explained the competition's format before the presentations began.
Fly Higher Awards
After the jury's deliberation, the winning centers of the Vuela Más Alto awards were announced, sponsored by the Facsa Chair with a total endowment of 1,600 euros intended for introductory material to robotics and computer science.
In the first category, aimed at students in the third cycle of primary school and the first and second years of secondary school, the first prize went to IES Bovalar in Castellón de la Plana, which reached 76 meters, while the second place went to the Ntra. Sra. de la Consolación school in Vila-real, with 65 meters.
In the second category, aimed at students in the 3rd and 4th years of ESO, basic FP, baccalaureate and intermediate and higher FP, the first prize went to the IES Gilabert de Centelles de Nules, with a throw of 165 meters, and the second to the IES Politècnic de Castellón de la Plana, with 57 meters.
With initiatives like Water Rockets, Facsa reinforces its commitment to scientific dissemination, the promotion of young talent and the promotion of water culture, bringing innovation closer to new generations through practical and participatory educational experiences.
