ADS-B reception really depends on antenna placement. @caleb_fisher44 had a similar experience with his roof antenna giving solid signals. I read that even a basic wire antenna can pull in planes from over 150 miles away if there's line of sight. Seeing that data stream must be a great payoff for your project.

Admit I would've just stared blankly if a kid asked me to walk a tribble. My big thought would've been "cool space pet" and then I'd forget to feed it. Guess that's why the kids are doing the project and I'm not.

You actually got someone to share chemtrail links without yelling?