NEW Programs for Summer 2024!
Register Greater Houston
Current Session Registration: SUMMER 2024
Registration is OPEN! Space is limited, so make sure to register as early as possible to secure your spot.
These are our Greater Houston programs! If you are interested in our Seattle-based programs, click here:
High School Lecture Series AE480H
"Literally Rocket Science" – Aircraft and Spacecraft Propulsion
Ever heard of the phrase "it's not rocket science"? Well, in this case, it literally is rocket science! In this course, students will learn all about the way things go. Every vehicle that flies in the air or space needs a propulsion system, and it is the job of the aerospace engineer to build it. We'll explore the inner workings various engines that have been invented for the purpose of propulsion, both air-breathing engines (such as the ubiquitous jet engine) and all the different types of rocket engines. We'll cover the most elementary of propeller engines, to the most exotic and cutting-edge nuclear rockets. Along the way, students will discover foundational thermodynamic principles applicable to physical phenomenon beyond propulsion. Prerequisites: None! Though, prior experience with chemistry and math will be beneficial.
Grades 9 - 12
June 18, 20, 21 (TThF)
6:00 - 9:00 PM
Full Circle Lecture Suite #550
Full Fee: $299
High School Lecture Series AE360H
"How to Fly" – Principles of Aerodynamics
Ever wondered why planes stay in the air? In this course, students will learn about how the air all around us affects the motion of objects and give rise to spectacular phenomena. We'll start with an introduction of fluid mechanics, considered the foundation of aerodynamics. Using what we learned, we'll investigate the behavior of airfoils and wings, and how they can affect the performance of aircraft. We'll also see how the effect of air changes across flow regimes, from subsonic to hypersonic, incompressible to compressible. By the end of this course, students will be able to appreciate the presence of aerodynamics in our everyday lives. Prerequisites: None! Though, prior experience with physics and math will be beneficial.
Grades 9 - 12
June 26 - 28 (WThF)
6:00 - 9:00 PM
Full Circle Lecture Suite #550
Full Fee: $299
Scientific Computing Series CS130H
Fundamentals of Scientific Computing
Scientific computing is the perfect start to any coding journey! In this course, students will learn basic coding concepts such as variables, conditionals, loops, and arrays, and implement these concepts in an industry-standard scientific computing programming language. They'll also learn how to program rudimentary algorithms to solve simple scientific and engineering problems. By the end of this course, students will be able to independently code their own programs, as well as start "thinking like a coder" when it comes to solving science and engineering problems! Whether this is a student's first time coding, or already experienced in other languages such as Python or Java, everyone will be learning new things in this course! Prerequisites: None!
Grades 6 - 8
July 15, 16, 18, 19 (MTThF)
6:00 - 9:00 PM
Full Circle Lecture Suite #550
Full Fee: $299
High School Lecture Series AE410H
Space Mission Planning and Design with Orbital Mechanics
James Webb Space Telescope. Perseverance. Artemis. If these names sound familiar, that's because they are all recent hugely successful space missions that pushed humanity's understanding of science and space exploration. If you're interested in the how, what, where, when, and whys of all-things space exploration, this course is for you! In this course, students will learn all about how space missions are designed, from conceptualization to operation. We'll cover what needs to go into every spacecraft, both hardware and operations-wise, and learn about fundamental systems engineering principles along the way. Also included is an entire module dedicated to orbital mechanics; i.e. how things travel in space! Finally, the course concludes with a comprehensive group project where students will present their very-own NASA-styled Mission Concept Review! Prerequisites: None! As long as you're interested in everything space and space missions!
Grades 9 - 12
July 22, 23, 25, 26 (MTThF)
6:00 - 9:00 PM
Full Circle Lecture Suite #550
Full Fee: $399
Our Houston programs are currently held at the Full Circle Lecture Room, just off I-610.​
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2636 South Loop West, Suite #550, Houston, TX 77054
Click here for more information on all the programs offered:
Click here to register for our Greater Houston programs:
Class sizes are limited, so make sure to register early to reserve your child's spot today!
FAQ
"What does the fee pay for?"
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Washington Youth Rocketry makes sure that every single penny of your registration fee will go towards sustaining and benefiting the program. Your payment contributes towards:
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Program materials, such as model rocket and glider supplies
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Model rocket engines
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Curriculum and instruction resources
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Classroom space and location rentals
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Launch equipment and hardware
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Permits and licenses
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Scholarships and fee waivers
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And much more that happens behind the scenes!
When the first class rolls around, you child does not have to bring anything besides curiosity and a good attitude! We supply everything that is needed for both classroom days and Launch Day.​
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"My child is going into the sixth grade. What program do I register for?"
It's up to you! You may register your child for either the 3-5th grade or the 6-8th grade program. You know your child best, so it just depends on which program you think is most suitable for his or her interests.
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"My child is going into the third grade/ninth grade. Can I still register for the Early Engineers/Rad Rocketeers program?"
Of course! In our eyes, the more participation, the better! We would love to welcome your child in our programs.
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"My child just graduated! Can I still register him or her for the High School Lecture Series?"
There is no better time to participate! At this age, your child will have all the recommended prerequisite knowledge for the courses, and will also benefit tremendously from receiving a head start into his or her college experience, especially if majoring in aerospace engineering.
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"Is there financial assistance available?"
Of course! Our mission is to showcase the wonders of aerospace engineering and rocketry to as many people as possible, so we are proud to offer partial and full scholarships and fee waivers. If the registration fee is a barrier to participation, please do not hesitate to reach out to us through email or our Contact Us form and we will be happy to help you.
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"Something came up and my child is no longer able to participate. What should I do?"
If you find that your schedule no longer allows your child to attend the classes they have already been registered for, and payment has already been given, we allow for two options:
1) Request for transfer. You may transfer your child to a different class session, if availability allows, up until ONE WEEK prior to the start of the first class of your original session, free of charge! If you wish to do so, please contact us through email or our Contact Us form.
2) Request for refund. We're sorry to see your child go, but we understand that sometimes life circumstances can make it hard. You may request a full refund up until TWO WEEKS prior to the start of the first class, minus a $20 processing fee. If a request for cancellation occurs after this, but at least ONE WEEK prior to the first class, a 50% fee refund will be issued. We cannot issue refunds within one week of the start of the session as by then we will have fully finalized our supplies and resources in preparation for classes. If you wish to request a refund, please contact us through email or through our Contact Us form.
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