Use of Single Stage Model Rockets to Teach Some Engineering Principles and Practices to First Year Engineering and Engineering Technology Students

Model rocketry can be considered miniature astronautics. This paper describes a team project using single stage model rockets and solid engines to teach some engineering principles and practices while promoting team work early on. Model rockets were used as an exciting means of accomplishing the main educational goal of introducing students to all stages of engineering problem solving. Model rocketry is a tool that incorporates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into a challenging activity. How high will/did the rocket go? This is a tough question to answer and the answers are rarely certain. The apogee can be determined using four distinct methods: trigonometry by using a hand held angle measuring tool, use of an onboard altimeter device, simplified analytical calculations based on Newton’s second law, and rocket flight simulation. Students received a practical introduction to many engineering concepts they will encounter later on. This paper discusses a major group project using model rockets in a two-hour per week laboratory that is a part of a two-credit course in exploration of engineering and technology at the Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.