Putting the E in STEM, this engineering marvel of a program helps our future Civil Engineers make the connections in a team effort to construct the best bridge. Civil engineers learn about the different types of bridges that are utilized every day and which forces act upon them that engineers have to contend with when constructing a bridge. The best part though is taking this knowledge and putting it into practice in this friendly bridge building competition.

Civil Engineers Will:

• Understand the forces acting on bridges

• Design a bridge

• Calculate a budget for their bridge design

• Build their design

• Test their design

Young scientists discover friction is everywhere. They investigate how different surfaces create different amounts of friction by measuring that invisible force. Is friction good or bad? We will find out!

Physicists Will:

• Understand and help demonstrate the different types of friction

• Understand Newton's Laws of Motion - especially the Law of Inertia (1st Law)

• Test various objects/vehicles and conduct multiple trials on their friction board

• Compare all friction boards with objects/vehicles to better understand the types & uses of friction under different circumstances

Scientists investigate that invisible force called magnetism and how it is created. North poles aren't just about polar bears and south poles for penguins... magnetologists learn about why there is a pull and push force between the magnetic poles. Testing an electromagnet and building a simple electric motor will help them discover how they are both part of our everyday lives. 

Atomic Physicists/Magnetologists Will:

• Better understand magnetism and how it is found naturally 

• Learn how magnetism is used in navigation - not only for human, but by animals too

• Test electromagnets and their strengths

• Build and test a simple electric motor

Our modern medieval engineers discover the science behind the catapult. They experiment with the principals of force (potential & kinetic energy) and motion as they launch their ballista "birds", understanding the effects of tension, torsion and gravity.  Engineers practice accuracy while scoring points based on their trajectories!

Engineers Will:

• Learn why and how catapults were used

• Understand the mechanics of the catapult's potential and kinetic energies

• Make their own catapult

Engineers travel back in time to investigate the physics involved in building and using 2 types of catapults. They discover which one is more efficient and why.

Engineers Will:

• Learn why and how catapults were used

• Understand the mechanics of the catapult's potential and kinetic energies

• Make use of Newton's Laws of Motion

• Understand and use terms like tension, torsion, fulcrum, payload, mass, trajectory, etc...

Rocket Engineers will learn how the propulsive force generated by steam was observed to later be used in engines; what the Chinese did once they invented gunpowder; how the invention of tail fins was used against us; and how fuel cells came about to get us where we are today! Then, rocket engineers will design, build and launch these early engine rockets.

Aerospace Engineers  Will:

• Thoroughly Newton's Laws of Motion

• Design & test Hero engines

• Build, launch & measure the distance of congreve (paper) rockets

• Build, launch & measure the altitude of Goddard (chemical "pop") rockets

NOTE: The age/grade and timing of the program will dictate which engines or rockets will be built. We are happy to discuss with you the best option for your group.

Aerospace Engineers will learn how our modern-day rockets came about by constructing the engines that made it all happen. They will learn safety, yet understand all the procedures, including trial and error, that need to be followed in order to have a successful launch and that there are many variables when it comes to rocket engineering. Your students will be “fueled up” after this experience!

Teams of rocket engineers build model rockets as we bring the Kennedy Space Center to your classroom. As a team they learn real procedures just as it is done at NASA in the VAB and out on the launch pad . They discover how Newton's Laws of motion are applied in rocket flight.  These are great experiences for a group of aspiring "Rocketeers" who would like to become part of the space age. Get ready for blast off!

Rocket Engineers Will:

• Understand Newton's Laws of Motion

• Assemble a real model rocket

• Follow proper protocols of fueling, launching, tracking and recovering (hopefully) as they do on the launch pad

• Middle and high school students calculate their apogee based on their tracked angle

• Teams get to keep their rockets!

A unique opportunity for students to design, build and launch a model rocket without going to Cape Canaveral!