Fifth-graders check a small rocket at Shelyn Elementary in Rowland Heights. (Staff photo by Sarah Reingewirtz)

Cadres of young engineers worked on projects ranging from the design of rockets to electric cars. Though they were only 9 to 11 years old, the fledgling engineers seemed unworried as their instructors at Shelyn Elementary outlined the projects.

The GATE students had volunteered to stay after school once a week for the Engineering is Elementary project. Teacher Rosemary Christensen had applied for grants to bring the innovative program to the Rowland Heights campus.