Texas Tech University T-STEM Center
Texas Tech University T-STEM Center
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Introduction to Rocketry: The Science of Stable Flight

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Experience the fun of learning science by building model rockets.

Design, build and launch rockets as you use hands-on learning to explore fundamental scientific concepts including Newton's Laws and Bernoulli's Principle. Maximize flight performance as you learn to use RockSim rocket simulation software to improve your rocket design.

Learn how to design and build simple, air-powered rockets out of paper — perfect for a science budget of any size.

Find out best practices for using small-scale rocketry projects in the science classroom, and learn how to safely launch rockets in your community.

Details

  • Dates: July 8-11, 2008
  • Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
  • CPE Credit: 24 hours SBEC CPE credit (8 hours G/T)
  • Grade Levels: 5-12

What You Take Home

  • Classroom site license of Apogee Components' RockSim rocket simulation software ($125 value)
  • Strategies for using model rocketry and engineering design to teach physics and science concepts
  • Parts and supplies to design, build and launch three rockets during the workshop
  • Experience using RockSim rocket simulation software and practicing safety and launch protocols tailored for K-12 schools
  • 2.4 continuing education units (CEUs) from Texas Tech University
  • 24 hours Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit

Schedule

Day 1

Welcome to Texas Tech. Get checked in, meet the T-STEM Center staff and join us for breakfast and an overview of model rocketry as we start this four day workshop.

  • Launch rocket #1
  • Begin discussing rocketry, course materials and lesson plans
  • Introduction to the Science of Stable Flight: the Barrowman Equations
  • Continue discussion of rocketry, course materials and lesson plans
Day 2
  • Introduction to RockSim computer simulation software
  • Design and construct rocket #2
  • Continue discussion of rocketry, course materials and lesson plans
Day 3

  • Launch rocket #2
  • Post-flight analysis
  • Design and construct rocket #3
  • Lunch
  • Continue discussion of rocketry, course materials and lesson plans
Day 4

Wrap Up. Fire off your final rocket project, celebrate this week's successes and tell us your opinions about your time at Texas Tech.

  • Launch rocket #3
  • Post-flight analysis
  • Finish discussion of rocketry, course materials and lesson plans
  • Evaluations
  • Lunch
  • Departure

Teacher Review

"My students have now built their own rockets from scratch and have been using those rockets to apply previously learned math and science skills to real world applications - like using trigonometry to determine the height of a launched rocket.

"I can easily say that the two workshops that I attended at Texas Tech last summer were among the most productive and beneficial professional development opportunities I have experienced in my teaching career."

– Wayne Day,
Northwest ISD

About the Instructor

Lynn Bryant

Lynn Bryant is a retired Mechanical Engineer-turned-engineering-instructor at Estacado High School in Lubbock, Texas. In 2005, students from Estacado High School launched a 10-foot-tall rocket that broke the sound barrier. Lynn was instrumental in guiding students through the design process and designing lessons for the project.

Lynn is an avid rocketry enthusiast and a Level 3 member of the Tripoli Rocketry Association — the highest rank in the international amateur rocketry organization. He is completing his teaching certification in secondary education this year.

This is Lynn's third year to train budding rocketeers at Texas Tech.