Aerospace
Soar to New Heights
Step into aerospace engineering through hands-on projects in aviation and space design. Build UAVs, prototype Mars mission components, and explore aerodynamics, propulsion, and flight systems. Gain real-world insight and a strong foundation in aerospace innovation.
Hands-On Simulations
From mastering flight mechanics to designing rockets, discover how engineers turn bold concepts into real-world innovations.
Rocket Launch
Focus on fin design as you construct a rocket with your team, trying to achieve the longest flight time from launch to touchdown.
Guest Speakers
Hear from experts in the aerospace field. Check out some of our past speakers!
Dr. Margaret Dominguez
Optical Engineer
NASA Goddard
Jeff Woytach
Systems Engineer
NASA Glenn Research Center
JoAnne S. Bass
Chief Master Sergeant
United States Air Force
David Brandt
Manager
Space Experience Center, Lockheed Martin
Trips & Tours
Go behind the scenes at places such as:
- Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
- Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
- NC State School of Engineering.
- GE Aerospace
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
- SpaceX
- Northrop Grumman
- UCLA Samueli School of Engineering
- California Science Center
- Santa Monica Pier
Locations, Dates, & Tuition
TryEngineering Summer Institute is a hands-on pre-college STEM program for high school students. Participants will attend classes in university classrooms, live in supervised campus dorms, and enjoy meals through campus dining—offering a safe, immersive preview of college life.
Duke University
$4,395
Session Dates
June 11 – June 19
June 23 – July 1
July 6 – July 14
July 18 – July 26
University of California, Los Angeles
$4,495
Session Dates
June 23 – July 1
July 5 – July 13
Aerospace Engineering Module
Glider and Wing Design Project
Students will leverage the fundamental principles of flight, including lift, drag, and center of gravity, to design and construct a glider capable of carrying a significant payload—an actual shoebox! This challenging task will push their creativity and problem-solving skills to new heights, all while learning about aerospace engineering. This hands-on project provides a valuable learning experience by allowing students to experience the thrill of aerospace engineering in three different phases.
Project Phases
Design & Planning
Conceptualization: research different glider designs, considering factors like wing shape, size, and airfoil
Planning: plan out proposed glider designs and choose the optimal materials, shape, and design of the glider
Calculations: perform basic calculations related to wing area, aspect ratio, and center of gravity to optimize the designs for flight
Building
Material Selection: select appropriate materials for the gliders
Construction: carefully construct gliders based on designs
Testing & Refinement
Flight Testing: test gliders by launching them and observing their flight characteristics
Data Collection: measure flight distance, duration, and stability to help optimize for the perfect glider
Analysis and Refinement: analyze the gliders, identify areas for improvement, and make adjustments to their designs
Learning Outcomes
01
Engineering Principles
Learn about fundamental concepts like aerodynamics, lift, drag, and stability
02
Design Process
Experience the entire design process, from initial concept to testing and refinement
03
Problem-Solving
Develop problem-solving skills as they encounter challenges and find solutions
04
Creativity and Innovation
Think creatively and come up with unique glider designs