What is Science of rockets?

It's not rocket science, it's the Science of Rockets!

The Science of Rockets’ first program for high schools started in 2021. The HAILI Rocket STEM Program allows school students to step away from their textbooks and work with a fully functioning hybrid rocket motor teaching device. This program improves problem solving and promotes teamwork and creative thinking skills. 

HAILI Rocket STEM Program - Overview

The HAILI Rocket STEM Program is a course that focuses on developing skills rather than grades – providing a new way for students to learn. Students get to step away from their textbooks and instead play, manipulate, and experiment with advanced rocket technology. In the process, students are gaining practical use of a wide range of STEM skills and how to combine them in fun and innovative ways. The HAILI Rocket STEM Program will commence in secondary schools and expand into universities and technical colleges. By teaching students how to handle a hybrid rocket motor, the HAILI Rocket STEM Program aims to ignite student confidence and curiosity in STEM based learning.

Demonstration of the HAILI Rocket kit to high school students
Demonstration of the HAILI Rocket kit to primary school students

HAILI Rocket STEM Program - The Need

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills are the foundation on which industries and economies of the future will thrive. However, in many countries, there is a decline in school and university students studying these skills. The HAILI Rocket STEM program aims to build student confidence and interest – by literally showing them they don’t need to be a rocket scientist to understand rockets. The HAILI Rocket STEM Program gives students practical application across a wide range of STEM fields including pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical systems and much more. Rocket technology is used across many industries, including drones, robotics, and aerospace. Overall, through the HAILI Rocket STEM Program, the aim is to provide students with a launchpad to breakdown the silos in STEM and effortlessly combine a wide variety of STEM skills to create actionable and practical outcomes.

HAILI Rocket STEM Program - The Benefits

The HAILI Rocket STEM Program encourages students to investigate ‘WHY’ something is, and not take what is presented on face value.  Students are given tasks which require the use of evidence-based practice and innovation on core ideas through improved design. The primary goal is to encourage critical thinking through tasks that not only inspire them to greatness, but also give them the life long-skills needed to follow any passion.

Students learn they don’t need to be the smartest person in the room to have great ideas and that anyone can enter industry.

Demonstration of the HAILI Rocket kit to high school students

Key Benefits of the Program

Instilling passion & enthusiasm for STEM

Promoting self-learning and experimentation

Encouraging collaboration & other transferable skills

Improving confidence & overcoming a fear of failure

The Suitcase HAILI - Hybrid Rocket Motor

HAILI is a fully functioning hybrid rocket motor teaching device. HAILI stands for Hybrid All Inclusive Learning Instrument. She is the size of carry-on luggage, practical for classroom use with handles for easy transport. HAILI’s side panels can be folded down to allow full access to her internal workings. Her components are colour coded for ease of teaching.

HAILI is more than just a rocket motor. She is an integrated system that teaches critical thinking, digital skills, programming skills for robotics, automation and AI, technology and computer capabilities, and advanced manufacturing principles. Most importantly, HAILI teaches students how to solve problems, work in a team, and think creatively.

The HAILI Rocket Motor for High Schools - Launches in 2021

The HAILI Rocket STEM program has launched in high schools around Queensland in January 2021. 

PFi Aerospace, the R&D company that developed the HAILI, has collaborated with TAFE Queensland to provide teachers involved with the HAILI Rocket STEM Program a specialised PD which aligns with ACARA (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority). 

To learn more about the HAILI Rocket STEM Program and how to join the waiting list, click on the link below to download an information booklet.

Backed by one of the world's leading innovation companies

“We are proud to support PFi and the Queensland Government on their outstanding STEM education efforts for Australian youth,” said Chris Deeble, chief executive Northrop Grumman Australia. “Northrop Grumman is deeply committed to engaging, exciting and inspiring the next generation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics workforce through STEM education initiatives, such as the Science of Rockets program.”

Connecting students with industry

The Science of Rockets platform aims not only to breakdown the silos in STEM but also the silos between students and future employers. Many industry sectors with the evolution of advanced technologies, AI and robotics, are finding it hard to find the skilled labour to fuel their innovation and growth. The Science of Rocket’s ‘Industry Sponsorship Program’ aims to develop a closer connection and collaboration between industries, schools and students. The aim is to create a better-shared understanding of the skills enterprises are seeking in graduates, plus allow sectors to identify and build relationships with students who are keen to pursue careers relevant to their needs. Industries will have better awareness and relationship with students appropriate for internships, apprenticeships and scholarships.

To learn about how companies can become involved in the Science of Rockets platform and its programs, click on the link below to download the ‘Industry Sponsorship’ information booklet.