Our Approach
RST provides a spark which can ignite a desire to pursue technical education by taking motivated students in an after-hours environment and inspire them to reach higher. RST expands on methods, technologies, and concepts that are presented in school and amplifies them. The RST program is intended as an additional “class” where a selected group is mentored throughout the school year. RST tracks student performance to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the program.
The backbone of the RST program is the labs which provide a “hands-on” opportunity for students to build test apparatus, measure and calculate performance, allowing students to integrate math and science. Overall, RST students are provided with a wide range of technologies- solar powered cars, chemical-powered rockets, simple machines, basic chemistry and electronics.
The RST program cumulates with a three week project comprised of “Rocket Theory”, “Rocket Build”, and “Rocket Launch” sessions. “Rocket Theory” covers basic aspects of rocket operation including Center of Pressure, Center of Gravity, F=ma, etc. “Rocket Build”, as its name implies, provides every student the opportunity to build his/her own chemically-powered rocket. On the final day, “Rocket Launch” creates excitement as students launch and recover their rockets.
Engineers bring a unique perspective to the classroom. Students realize that the engineer’s livelihood depends on an intimate understanding of the math/science link, which helps students see these subjects from a new, practical perspective. Again, the intent of RST is not to replace the teacher’s effort, but to amplify key topics and reinforce the student’s understanding of the link between math and science.
RST differs from other related efforts in the following ways:
