Get ready to launch!

Want to know what it takes to be a rocket scientist? This self-guided module will introduce you to basic concepts in aerospace engineering and teach you to launch your own simulated rockets!​ ​

Rockets 101 self-guided module

This self-guided module covers basic concepts in rocket science and you will learn how to implement a freeware space flight simulator program Orbiter to see how variables like thrust and mass impact take off.

The content has been co-designed by academic staff, teachers and facilitated by our talented Student Ambassadors who are studying this content in degree courses at QUT. Watch the video and follow along with the additional learning resources on our Rockets 101 Padlet to learn more about Rockets!

What will you learn?

  • Master key physics concepts related to rocket science ​such as gravity and Newton's laws of motion
  • Learn about the basics of Orbiter freeware space flight simulator software​
  • Understand how variables relating to the rocket such as thrust and fuel mass affect its launch and flight by analyzing patterns and trends in data and describing the relationships between these variables
  • Explore study and career opportunities in aerospace engineering.

Module inclusions

All resources for this module can be obtained through the Rockets 101 ​video and associated Padlet: ​

  • Video​
  • Orbiter (download instructions on Padlet)​
  • Downloadable Excel files to record and analyse data
  • Challenges​
  • Quizzes​
  • Career and study resources to explore.​

Register

To access Rockets 101 online module register here.

Curriculum Links

Year 7: Science Understanding > Physical sciences

  • ACSSU117 : Change to an object’s motion is caused by unbalanced forces, including Earth’s gravitational attraction, acting on the object
Year 8: Science Inquiry Skills > Questioning and Predicting
  • ACSIS164: Formulate questions or hypotheses that can be investigated scientifically
  • ACSIS169: Analyse patterns and trends in data, including describing relationships between variables and identifying inconsistencies

Year 9: Science Inquiry Skills > Questioning and Predicting

  • ACSIS164: Formulate questions or hypotheses that can be investigated scientifically
  • ACSIS165: Plan, select and use appropriate investigation types, including field work and laboratory experimentation, to collect reliable data; assess risk and address ethical issues associated with these methods
  • ACSIS166: Select and use appropriate equipment, including digital technologies, to collect and record data systematically and accurately
  • ACSIS169: Analyse patterns and trends in data, including describing relationships between variables and identifying inconsistencies
  • ACSIS170: Use knowledge of scientific concepts to draw conclusions that are consistent with evidence

Year 10: Science Understanding > Physical sciences

  • ACSSU229: The motion of objects can be described and predicted using the laws of physics

Contact us

If you have any questions contact QUT Faculty of Science Engagement via email engage.science@qut.edu.au.

3138 1801