[Gdeaver]

The sound through video can not compare to the experience of being at one of these launches. You just don't hear it, you feel it. For those that have young kids that show mechanical tendencies, I would strongly suggest that you consider giving them some exposure to model rocketry. Estes has several starter kits to get one going. While a Ready To Fly rocket may be OK for a first launch, get them into kits fast. Rocket building can be a great parent child bonding experience. If the child gets the rocket bug consider joining the National Association of Rocketry (NAR). Chances are they have a club with in driving range. Rocketry teaches the critical engineering mind set. Every thing has to be perfect or you'll be picking up your hard work in a trash bag. Rocketry is an excellent tool to teach all the maths and sciences. Today there are many excellent design and simulation tools to help with the design and technical details. Nar has a wealth of information available. I started my son with the Este's stuff at 6 years and eventually work him up to the big stuff (level 2 Tripoli). In 9 th grade he did First FRC and sucked me into mentoring. My son is now a senior studying Mechanical Engineering. This summer he is the only student intern at the company he interned for last year. They total shut down the intern program because of the economy. The reason he is going back is last year he showed that he had the engineering mind set to methodically solve real world problems. I directly attribute his success to this point on his involvement in hobby rocketry and First Robotics.
Yes, these excellent programs DO make a difference in our youth.