A group of Creekview High School students will join thousands of other students in a competition designed to further their passion for science.

The school's rocketry club has qualified to participate in the Team America Rocketry Challenge.

The national challenge will be conducted May 15 at Great Meadow Foundation in The Plains, Va.

The world's largest rocket contest, TARC is sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association and National Association of Rocketry.

Student teams design, build and fly model rockets that must reach a pre-determined height. It also encourages students to study math and science and pursue careers in aerospace.

"It's a great opportunity for them to learn about aeronautics," said Todd Sharrock, the club's sponsor and science teacher.

The students are building two rockets to take to the competition. One prototype rocket will be used to qualify to participate in the nationals and, if the team qualifies, they will use another to compete.

Creekview's rocketry team has about 18 members and engages students in the teachings of aeronautics, Sharrock said. While they focus mainly on rocketry, they also teach the dynamics of flight and use other science and math skills.

"It gives them a taste of what the field is all about," he said of the club.

The team has a partnership with Georgia Model Aviators and uses its field to launch their rockets.

Sharrock said 13 students will take the trip. The team needs at least $3,000 for their trip, Michele Dodge, the parent of one of the students in the club said.

Ms. Dodge said the club is looking for sponsors to donate money.

The $3,000 will be used for lodging, gas and one dinner. If the team raises more than $3,000 they will use it towards additional meals, Ms. Dodge said.

Tim Smyrl, science teacher and sponsor of the club, said Georgia Model Aviators has also donated $500 towards the club's operations this year and is considering donating more for its trip.

"This is a big deal for the kids," Ms. Dodge said. "I am so excited for them."

Team captain Blake Waller is also excited about participating in the competition. Blake, the 17-year-old son of Dale and Judy Waller of Canton, said the competition also presents a lot of scholarship opportunities.

Blake, a junior at Creekview, has been a member of the organization for two years and said he joined because he's has an interest in science.

After he graduates next school year, he will go into the science field when he enrolls into college, Blake said.

The club has given him an opportunity to not only demonstrate leadership skills, but has given him more knowledge about aeronautics, planes and flying that he didn't know before.

"It's been a great experience," he said. "It's a lot of fun and looks good on your college (resumes) if you're into the science field."