Theory based conceptual learning has now become classroom pedagogy of the past. Increasingly, instructors, schools and parents are seeking hands-on activities, real-world projects and application based learning in the areas of STEM. STEM careers will increase by 17 percent by 2030; however, during the past two decades, college students graduating with these subjects are down to a huge extent. And teachers need to not only develop kids’ interest in STEM, but also assist them see it as a career path.
One way to do that? Teach STEM through hands-on experience.
Kids should develop interest in STEM. They also must see it as a career path down the line. One way to do that is with model rockets.
Model Rockets – STEM off to Space
In this day and age, kids rarely get to build something like a rocket. They feel a big sense of accomplishment when the model rocket is built and then successfully launched. Such a engaging and learning activity do model rockets really make. Many of the kids love the excitement and the adrenaline rush of launching the rockets. Model rockets also relate to what NASA and ISRO do when they launch missions to space. This leaves kids with a greater appreciation of what space scientists and astronauts do.
Model Rockets – The STEM Thing
Firstly, rockets, models or real, involve STEM concepts such as gravity, trajectory, thrust, principles of flight, aerodynamics, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Newton’s Law of Gravitation and problem-solving. There’s such an emphasis on STEM. And this is such a natural fit because it’s an applied science. Our fingers, hands and minds, all get involved. Get to see it applied. It’s not just a theory. See the real lift off and recovery. It’s definitely an introduction to science. It’s definitely STEM!
We are looking forward to a very near future when model rockets would be as easy for any student as it is to go through their standard science curriculum in schools.
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