Register Greater Seattle
Current Session Registration: SUMMER 2024
Registration is now CLOSED. Thank you for another great summer!
​
​
These are our Greater Seattle programs! If you are interested in our Houston-based programs, click here:
High School Lecture Series AE480
"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
July 8 - 10 (MTW)
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Bellevue College Bldg. R, Rm.101
Full Fee: $299
High School Lecture Series AE360
"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
July 8 - 10 (MTW)
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Bellevue College Bldg. R, Rm.101
Full Fee: $299
Scientific Computing Series CS130
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 16 - 19 (TWThF)
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Bellevue College Bldg. R, Rm.101
Full Fee: $299
Rocketry AE110A
Rad Rocketeers
In the Rad Rocketeers program, we'll go in-depth into the real-life physics and engineering behind both model rockets and actual rockets, as well as investigate more general aerospace phenomenon. Students will construct a complex model rocket suitable for a larger engine and payload, along with building a wooden glider that will showcase the science behind airplanes. This program is designed to be a comprehensive introduction to aerospace engineering that will get kids inspired and excited to be a future engineer! Prerequisites: None! Just curiosity and an appetite to ask questions!
Grades 6 - 8
July 16 - 19 (TWThF)
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Bellevue College Bldg. R, Rm.101
Launch Day
10 AM, August 3 (Sat)
60 Acres Park
Full Fee: $249
Scientific Computing Series CS230A
Introduction to Scientific Computing
Have you ever thought about how engineers and scientists really analyze their data? They don't pull out their hand calculators and papers – they pull out their computers! In this course, students will receive an introductory overview of an industry-standard scientific computing programming language: MATLAB. We'll cover the foundations of coding from the beginning, including the basic design of programs for scientific and engineering problem solving. Throughout the course, students will also learn computer science concepts applicable to other programming languages beyond the topic of scientific computing. By the end of this course, students will be able to code simple programs to solve a variety of problems they might encounter in their school or personal projects. Prerequisites: None! No prior coding experience necessary.
Grades 9 - 12
July 22 - 26 (MTWThF)
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Bellevue College Bldg. R, Rm.101
Full Fee: $399
Rocketry AE090
SPACE CAMP!
If your child loves space, rockets, or just anything science, this is the perfect camp for him or her! Our unique, one-of-a-kind summer camp is like no other in Washington! Every day of Space Camp is chock-full of exciting hands-on projects that will teach kids all about STEM and space without them even knowing that they're learning! From building a model rocket (that will be flown!) to designing and simulating their own space missions, Space Camp offers a STEM adventure that your child will not stop talking about. Along the way, kids will develop teamwork, problem solving, and critical thinking skills, all while learning about the topics that they love. Prerequisites: None! Just curiosity and an appetite to ask questions!
Grades 3 - 5
July 22 - 26 (MTWThF)
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Bellevue College Bldg. R, Rm.101
Launch Day
1 PM, August 3 (Sat)
60 Acres Park
Full Fee: $399
Rocketry AE110B
Rad Rocketeers
In the Rad Rocketeers program, we'll go in-depth into the real-life physics and engineering behind both model rockets and actual rockets, as well as investigate more general aerospace phenomenon. Students will construct a complex model rocket suitable for a larger engine and payload, along with building a wooden glider that will showcase the science behind airplanes. This program is designed to be a comprehensive introduction to aerospace engineering that will get kids inspired and excited to be a future engineer! Prerequisites: None! Just curiosity and an appetite to ask questions!
Grades 6 - 8
July 29 - August 1 (MTWTh)
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Bellevue College Bldg. R, Rm.101
Launch Day
10 AM, August 3 (Sat)
60 Acres Park
Full Fee: $249
High School Lecture Series AE410
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 29 - August 2 (MTWThF)
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Bellevue College Bldg. R, Rm.101
Full Fee: $399
Rocketry AE060
Early Engineers
The Early Engineers program is for the young engineers out there who are of the perfect age to start their lifelong endeavor into aerospace engineering and rocketry. They'll learn the basics of model rocketry principles and the fundamental physics behind them. We'll go over the various parts that come together to create a model rocket, and the step-by-step process of putting one together. By the end of the session, every kid will have built their very own model rocket, ready for flight on Launch Day! Prerequisites: None! Just curiosity and an appetite to ask questions!
Grades 3 - 5
July 30 - August 1 (TWTh)
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Bellevue College Bldg. R, Rm.101
Launch Day
1 PM, August 3 (Sat)
60 Acres Park
Full Fee: $149
Scientific Computing Series AE330
Advanced Scientific Computing with Aerospace Applications
This is an advanced course that greatly expands on the concepts covered in CS230 - Introduction to Scientific Computing. In this course, students will gain a mastery of an industry-standard scientific computing programming language: MATLAB. We'll learn how to analyze algorithms from the perspective of performance, robustness, and efficiency to construct better, more advanced algorithms. We'll also investigate what makes MATLAB such a unique language, such as vectorization and toolboxes, and use its uniqueness to our advantage. Students will then use their coding experience to tackle real-world aerospace engineering problems, including ones pulled directly from industry sources. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to confidently use code to solve everyday problems that they might come across in school and projects at a level that would impress universities and even companies that may be looking for their next intern! Prerequisites: CS230 OR extensive prior coding experience.
Grades 9 - 12
August 5 - 9 (MTWThF)
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Bellevue College Bldg. R, Rm.101
Full Fee: $399
Sort by
Click here for more information on all the programs offered:
Click here to register for all our Greater Seattle 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:
-
Program materials, such as model rocket and glider supplies
-
Model rocket engines
-
Curriculum and instruction resources
-
Classroom space and location rentals
-
Launch equipment and hardware
-
Permits and licenses
-
Scholarships and fee waivers
-
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.​
​
"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.
​
"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.
​
"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.
​
"I noticed there isn't a given end time for Launch Day. How long does a typical Launch Day last?"
The reason why we did not set a specific end time is because every Launch Day is different! Typically, though, we expect it to last about one to two hours. You are free to leave after your child launches his or her rocket, but we highly encourage that everyone stays until the end for a special surprise!
​
"There is a session that I am interested in that has classes that fit my family's schedule, but we have other plans already that conflict with the Launch Day. Can my child still participate?"
Sure! We would hate for your child to lose the opportunity to see his or her hard work launch into the sky. If you cannot make it to the Launch Day for the session you are registered for, you may attend any of the other sessions' Launch Days, provided that you contact us in advance so that we can make the appropriate preparations.
​
"What if it rains during Launch Day?"
Washington Youth Rocketry proudly operates under the NAR Model Rocket Safety Code at all times, and that includes not launching in rain. In addition to safety considerations, we understand that it certainly isn't fun to be standing outside being drenched in rain. If we forecast rain or otherwise unsuitable weather conditions, such as a low-cloud level and/or high winds, we will postpone Launch Day to a different day that will be communicated in advance. This could include the day after, or to the same day as a different session's Launch Day. Rest assured though that we will make every effort to give your child the opportunity to fly his or her rocket!
​
"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.
​
"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.
​