STORY of the HYPER S3 ROCKET and the STEM FORGE Rockets & Engineering Challenge

As a teacher of technology and engineering, my students had a water-rocket challenge, but we needed sensors, data logging, parachute release and more.

There were no options that seemed to fit the bill, so, consulting with other engineering teachers and researching rockets, I made my own PCB for the build.

The following is a guide for engineering students to develop their solution to the STEM FORGE Rockets & Engineering challenge. This is a guide, not an instructional step-by-step.

Contents:

1. The Problem Statement

2. Problem Electronics (and Optional Models for different projects)

3. Mechanisms & 3D Printing

4. Simulating & Testing

5. Conclusion

6. References

1. The Problem Statement

In the STEM FORGE Rockets & Engineering Challenge, students in groups of 3 or 4 are to present a solution document and prototype using the engineering process to successfully devise, make, launch and land a water rocket with the best acceleration, altitude, and aesthetics. The rocket must also go through planned stages to separate the landing module, deploy a parachute, and land the module the right way up. Note: the pressure of the bottle for launching must not exceed 65 psi.