In a test of engineering skill and scientific understanding, Aeroscience II students at AHS have taken on the challenge of designing rockets capable of reaching Mach 1 speeds while staying below a ceiling of 13,000 feet. As part of the advanced curriculum, students are required to create a detailed mathematical flight profile of their rockets, using 1-D physics equations that they program into Excel.
To kick off the project, students developed a mathematical model that considered essential flight parameters. They compiled their findings into presentations outlining the mission goals for their rockets, the assumptions guiding their calculations, and the results of their mathematical profiles. On October 28th, when students traveled to NASA’s Johnson Space Center to present their work directly to NASA flight engineers. There, they explained their calculations and fielded questions from the professionals, showcasing their understanding of the physics and mathematics involved.
Having completed their first challenge, Aeroscience II students now move to the next phase: designing a detailed blueprint for their rockets. The next challenge for Aeroscience II students is to develop a detailed rocket design