Homeschool Rocket Class

Six-week Mini-Course

Nature of the Course

This six-week course covers Estes rocket construction and launches, the physics of rocketry, and the history of the US Space program through the moon landing.

The "space race" is one of the greatest adventures the US has ever undertaken. We will watch video segments on the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs, as well as the Soviet space program. Students will research the rockets used in these programs.

Students will build and launch Estes rockets. After learning how similar triangles work in geometry we will measure the height of the rockets' flight.

Students will learn enough physics to compute the speed, acceleration, height, and speed at impact for an Estes rocket trajectory. Students will also compute orbital velocity using basic geometry.

The course is intended for students in 7th through 10th grade. There is no math requirement beyond basic arithmetic, but students must have good math aptitude and be willing to work hard to master new concepts. Homework, reading, and research will be required between classes. Parents must be prepared to at least monitor homework and possibly help with homework throughout the class.
 

Class Meetings

The class will meet once a week for two hours at my house. The course will be held either Monday or Tuesday. I will get parental feedback on the best day and time before finalizing. Parents and siblings are welcome to stay if necessary. Parents who come with small children must take responsibility to watch them, as our house and land are not "child proof".
 

Cost and Class Size

The cost is $50 for the entire 6 week course.

Due to space constraints, enrollment is limited to 4 students. The course material builds on itself in successive weeks, so if your student cannot attend all 6 class sessions, please wait to take a later running of the course.

DO NOT sign up for this class if:

• Your student's schedule is stretched to the breaking point.
• Your student cannot responsibly complete assignments.
• Your student has trouble with math.

My Background

I taught high school physics to home schoolers in the 1999, 2003 and 2004 school years. In college I majored in electrical engineering at Duke University, and did graduate work in engineering at Stanford University. Currently I am a consultant and specialize in analyzing world energy demand.

My wife and I have homeschooled our three children since 1998. We are Christians and attend Third Presbyterian church.

The reason I teach this course is both because it is fun, and to better prepare students for high school science. I am particularly interested in developing study skills and math skills.
 

To Sign Up

Please contact me at (804) 227-9487 or MalShealy("@" sign goes here)embarqmail.com to sign up or if you have questions. Thank you.
 

Rocket Links

The Estes rocket site is at:

   www.estesrockets.com

You cannot buy rockets from the Estes site directly, but can buy them at other sites, such as:

   www.redarrowhobbies.com