4th-Grader Named Semi-Finalist In NASA Competition

By Alyssa Riccardi BRICK – A local student was one of 45 kids selected as a semi-fi nalist of a national competition hosted by NASA.

The “Power to Explore Challenge” required students to submit a 200-word essay on how they would use Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) to succeed in their own science mission. RPS is a type of “nuclear battery” that NASA uses to explore the solar system and more.

Sofia Chiaravalle, a 4th grade student at Midstreams Elementary School, wrote about her idea titled “Project Cousteau.” Project Cousteau would be a rover that would investigate the depths of oceans on Europa, which is the smallest of the four Galilean moons orbiting Jupiter

In her essay, Sofia asked: Is there any existence on Europa? Is there an ocean underneath the ice? How frigid is the water? Can you breathe on Europa?

Sofia went on to explain that the rover would collect samples, take pictures of any species, and record temperatures of the environment.

When asked what excited her the most

Photo courtesy Dennis Chiaravalle

Sofia Chiaravalle extensively researched technology and astronomy for her essay. about NASA’s RPS, Sofia expressed her eagerness to learn more about the planets within the solar system.

“I love space and writing so I started working on my entry right away. What I’m most (NASA - See Page 24)