Courses

Courses

Introduction to Rocketry – Novice

During this introductory course, learn the fundamentals of rocketry and put them into action as you fabricate your own single-stage rocket with the integration of payload with data collection. Leave the course equipped with engineering skills and experience to take on your next project.

Introduction to Rocketry – Advanced

Delve deeper into rocketry. This course provides a more comprehensive consideration of the fundamentals and modeling of rocket mechanics that is immediately applied to your own rocket and launch. Discover how to predict and evaluate the effects of payload on rocket performance.

Single-Stage Rocket

Level up your rocketry skills and understanding with this advanced rocket course. Gain hands-on experience as you build out your own rocket and avionics. Learn the science and engineering practices in this end-to-end process to capture your rocket’s performance.

Microelectronics

Avionics — All the electronics or the “brains” of the system. Gain experience setting up the electronics necessary to monitor your system. Evaluate performance through measurements like altitude and velocity to learn more through data collection from launch to descent.

What learners are saying…

“I really enjoyed the hands-on activities and think they were the best parts of the course. Hands-on activities really helped me to understand the material better and increased my interest in the material by a lot.”
— University Freshman
“I really enjoyed having the opportunity to do this project with my students. With all of the support and supplies, this project by far surpasses anything I’ve done in the past. I believe this project was extremely beneficial for my students. I don’t think I had a student miss one day during the build and launch (about a month). I would give each section high marks. The course was very well put together.”
— High School MESA Teacher
“I enjoyed seeing how the different building processes and payloads affected launch day and results differently.”
—Bloomington High School Junior
“I think the kids really got into launching them – especially one of my handfuls, became my expert and leader. It was interesting to see him bloom.”
—Middle School Gifted Teacher
“I enjoyed seeing issues being fixed when some rockets failed.”
— Bloomington High School Sophomore
“Our students, as most students, learn best when engaged with hands-on projects. We have incorporated as many real-world data collection opportunities as possible into our curriculum, and the rocketry project take our data collection to a whole other level. We serve many bright students who lack the means to take part in engineering hobbies outside of the school setting such as model rockets, model cars, or even Legos. Being able to supply this type of engineering and science opportunity helps open the door to scientific curiosity for so many students who have had limited experiences in this area.”
— High School Physical Science Teacher
“I liked calculating the weight of the payload and deciding what to put in. Also, launching the rocket was fun.”
— High School Senior
“I loved this workshop. The presenters, and student presenters were awesome. I loved learning and doing the hands-on build and launch. I have so much to take back to my classroom this year!!! Love it!”
— Summer Professional Development Teacher
“I really enjoyed launch day and seeing how each rocket launched differently, and had different results.”
— High School Junior

Resource Guide for Classroom Enrichment

The following compiled list provides grant sources and links that may be helpful in supporting implementation into your educational space.

AIAA Foundation Classroom Grant Program

Eligibility: K-12 classroom teacher
Funding: Up to $500 AIAA supports endeavors with a clear connection to science, technology, engineering, art, or mathematics (STEAM) with an emphasis on Aerospace. Funding can be utilized to purchase STEM demonstration kits, classroom STEM supplies along with parts and supplied for making flying objects and robotics programs.

Association of American Educators Foundation Classroom Grant

Eligibility: Full-time Educators
Funding: Up to $500 Classroom grants are highly competitive but can be used for a variety of projects and materials including, but not limited to software and lab materials.

National Association of Rocketry (NAR) Extracurricular Activity Grant

Eligibility: Schools and organizations that provide extracurricular educational activities involving model rocketry.
Note: Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC) and Student Launch Initiative (SLI) teams are not eligible.
Funding: Dependent on Activity Open to eligible organizations, for example, NAR Sections, 4-H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Civil Air Patrol, Challenger Centers, museums, etc. that are looking to create interest in model rocketry in your school or community and how you are teaching rocketry. Collaboration with your local NAR section is encouraged.

Voya Unsung Heroes Awards Program

Eligibility: K-12 Educators
Funding: $2,000 Grants support educators that are utilizing new teaching methods and techniques for classroom/school projects to improve learning with an emphasis on innovative methodology, creativity, and ability to positively influence students.