Aerospace Engineering (PLTW)

Students explore the physics of flight and space through software simulations and hands-on experiences. They bring concepts to life by designing and testing an airfoil, propulsion system, and a rocket. Students learn how these concepts apply to a career in aerospace engineering and other engineering fields.

The major focus of the course is to acquaint students with the world of flight and space travel. As they learn about various aspects of aerospace engineering, they apply what was learned to the design and development of several simulated flight vehicles for both atmospheric and space travel and use many different types of technical software. The course covers the history of flight, aerodynamics and aerodynamics testing, flight systems, astronautics, space life sciences, aerospace materials, and systems engineering. Working in teams, students learn about documenting their work, solving problems, and communicating their solutions to other students and members of the professional community of aerospace engineering. Aerospace Engineering is a specialization course within the PLTW sequence.