Summer Camp Overview
Get ready for an out-of-this-world summer adventure! SOAR (Science of Aviation and Rocketry) is a dynamic camp for ages 10–14, designed to ignite curiosity and inspire future innovators. Campers explore the fundamentals of flight and rocketry through engaging, hands-on activities at the Palm Springs Air Museum.
What You’ll Do
- Become a Rocket Scientist: Learn the fundamental principles of flight, including Newton’s Laws, aerodynamics, and rocket forces.
- Design Your Dream Machine: Explore rocket designs, fin configurations, and nose cones to understand stability and flight performance.
- Master the Build: Build your own model rockets using safe, precise techniques.
- Prepare for Launch: Discover launch systems, igniters, engines, and safety procedures.
- Count Down to Liftoff: Launch your creation and experience the thrill of flight.
- Analyze Your Flight: Track your rocket’s flight, estimate altitude, and discuss performance factors.
- Troubleshoot and Improve: Solve common rocket issues and improve future launches.
- Team Challenges: Participate in collaborative design and engineering activities.
Key Features
- Expert, passionate instructors
- Real rocket launches
- Museum tours
- Beginner-friendly: No prior experience necessary
- Small class size: 15 campers max per session
- All materials and equipment provided
Age Groups
- Ages 10–14
Curriculum Highlights
- Fundamentals of model rocketry and aviation
- Principles of flight and propulsion
- Rocket design, safety, and launch systems
- Team-based STEM challenges
STEM & NGSS Alignment
SOAR is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for grades 5–8, covering:
- Forces and motion (PS2.A/B)
- Energy transformation (PS3.D)
- Engineering design (ETS1.A/B/C)
- Science and engineering practices: questioning, modeling, investigating, analyzing, mathematics, explanations, argumentation, and communication
- Crosscutting concepts: patterns, cause and effect, scale, systems, energy, and stability
Materials Provided
- All rocket-building materials
- Safety equipment
- Campers should bring a snack
Dates and Times
- Week Option 1: June 16 – June 20 [SOLD OUT]
- Week Option 2: June 23 – June 27
- Week Option 3: July 14 – July 18
- Week Option 4: July 21 – July 25
Time: 9am to 1pm (with a 15-minute snack break at 11am)
Location
- Palm Springs Air Museum, 745 N Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA
Registration & Payment
Pricing:
$250 per camper
Cancellation Policy:
- No refunds within 7 days of camp
Contact Information
Contact: Email us at [email protected] for questions or more information.