Future Leaders of Advanced Rocket Engineering

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In 2016 I was introduced to a local non-profit organization called Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum (TAM) at the Compton airport. I loved TAM's mission to support the education of inner city kids, but was disappointed to learn that a STEM museum only 15 minutes from SpaceX did not have any rocketry programs. Seeing an opportunity to help the community, I established the Future Leaders of Advanced Rocket Engineering (FLARE) Program at TAM. The goal of FLARE is to use the design, construction, and flight of rockets to teach students the skills necessary to pursue a STEM degree and career.

At least once a week I visit TAM to teach classes. Program partners have included the University of Southern Californa, the Reaction Research Society, and the Rocketry Organization of California. To cater to different learning levels, I have developed curricula for multiple age groups:

Elementary Curriculum

Rocketry Basics

Rocketry classes for kids grades K-6 are focused on fun. Every class includes time playing Kerbal Space Program, a rocket design, building, and flying simulator. Knowledge of real-life rocket properties like center of mass and center of pressure are crucial to creating a successful rocket in the game.

Instruction time focuses on how knowledge of STEM ideas such as the scientific method and Newton's Laws can improve rocket designs in the Kerbal video game. Alka-seltzer rockets and other demonstrations are used to keep students engaged and discuss scientific principles. The capstone of each K-6 program is building and flying Estes model rockets, which the kids get to keep (assuming it survives the maiden voyage)!

Launch of Estes rocket with TAM students

Middle School Curriculum

Tripoli Rocketry Association Junior Membership

Middle school aged rocket classes take things up a notch, both in the size of the rocket and the motors that go in them! Time is split between the classroom and the rocket lab, with a focus on safety and acting with intentionality. Class begins with discussion of any rocket or space news, followed by watching videos of rocket construction and discussing the techniques displayed. After a safety briefing, class is moved to the lab area.

Time in the lab is focused on safety, tool identification and use, and construction of a high power solid rocket. Tools include epoxy, sandpaper, power drills, and rotory tools. Students of the proper age with parent or guardian approval are enrolled in the Tripoli Mentoring Program. Upon successful completion of an exam and construction of a high power rocket, students can earn their Junior Level 1 certification, allowing them to access restricted launchpad areas.

Keith teaches a middle school class

High School Curriculum

Rocket Design and Advanced Topics

The high school coursework is a continuation of the previous levels. New students are encouraged to start by building an Estes model rocket and then enrolling in the Tripoli Mentoring Program. Like the middle school course, time is split between the classroom and the lab. Classroom time focuses on software that can aid in rocket design and construction. Courses include SolidWorks 3D modeling, intro to Arduinos and Raspberry Pi programming, and flight simulations in OpenRocket.

Lab time focuses on increased experience safely using more complicated tools such as the drill press and 3D printers. Students are encouraged to pursue interests in building and making whatever they like, and those who are interested design and build their own rockets from scratch. Properly constructed rockets can be flown in the desert on a high power motor.

Keith and a class of high school kids

Collegiate Curriculum

High Power Certification and Personal Projects

Once age 18, students are encouraged to build and fly a high power rocket to earn a Level 1 certification through the Tripoli Rocketry Association or National Association of Rocketry. Successful students can move on to earn a Level 2 & 3 certification to continue launching bigger rockets and motors. Interested students can join groups like the Reaction Research Society to explore liquid rocketry.

Those who have interests outside of rocketry are encouraged to explore those as well! In the past students have 3D Printed a chess board, programmed a text video game, and built small robots to name just a few projects.

Keith and a student working on an Arduino project

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