Problem Solving, Perseverance, Applied Scientific Reasoning

In this hands-on simulation course, students will use Kerbal Space Program to design, launch, and fly spacecraft through the fictional Kerbolar system—learning the physics and engineering principles that govern real-world rocketry along the way. From designing stable launch vehicles to selecting rocket engines, fuels, and aerodynamic elements, students will experiment with how thrust, mass, and gravity interact to make (or break) a successful mission. Each phase—reaching orbit, escaping gravity, landing on other planets—requires planning, testing, failing, and trying again.

In this course, students will:

• Apply scientific reasoning to solve real-world physics problems related to motion, energy, and atmospheric resistance
• Collaborate in teams to share ideas, test theories, and problem-solve design issues
• Demonstrate perseverance by working through repeated launch failures and design revisions
• Engage in iterative learning, refining their understanding of force, trajectory, and mechanics through testing and data analysis
• Take ownership of learning by setting project goals and monitoring progress toward space exploration milestones

• Demonstrate effective problem-solving by identifying technical challenges, generating possible solutions, and evaluating outcomes
• Approach failure as data, learning to test hypotheses and adjust systems based on results
• Make decisions based on evidence, incorporating real-world mechanics and constraints into their designs

This class is perfect for aspiring engineers, space nerds, and anyone ready to defy gravity through design, experimentation, and teamwork.

Cell Phone Policy:  Students may use their cell phones during class as a tool to engage in learning relevant to the class.