Exploring engineering concepts
Designing and building rockets
Launching rockets to see which goes highest
Engage students in hands-on engineering activities
The Western Michigan University chapter of the engineering honor society Tau Beta Pi works to inspire area elementary students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics through its participation in the national MindSET program.
The WMU chapter offers a program in building and launching water-powered bottle rockets as an exciting introduction to the world of engineering. The program introduces students to engineering design with the objective of achieving the highest possible flight trajectory. The two-day activity is based on the MindSET Rockets Module developed by Lockheed Martin and the Florida Alpha and Florida Delta Tau Beta PI chapters.
Two day experience
Join WMU Tau Beta PI students along with faculty members for an unforgettable experience.
- Day 1—Build Day: Western students describe engineering and rocket design basics in a 45-minute presentation. Participating students are asked to consider various design tradeoffs as they then construct their own rockets from two-liter soda bottles.
- Day 2—Launch Day: Student-built rockets are launched using air-pressurized water propellant.