Students participating in the University of Florida’s Center for Precollegiate Education and Training (CPET) recently took part in a hands-on rocketry experience led in collaboration with the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Instructional Professor Matthew J. Traum, Ph.D. The activity gave students the opportunity to design, build, and launch model rockets while exploring the engineering principles that make flight possible.
Since 1959, CPET has connected pre-collegiate students and educators with the research, innovation, and expertise found across the University of Florida. Through immersive STEM programs, the center creates hands-on learning experiences that introduce students to new fields of study while helping them envision future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
“If they’re interested in science or engineering, we want them to discover what parts they’re interested in.” – Annie Levendusky, CPET educator
Throughout the week-long program, students participated in a variety of engineering and science activities. In addition to building and launching rockets, participants explored campus research facilities, learned about engineering disciplines across UF, and visited the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, where they observed a wind tunnel and completed a turbine-building challenge. They worked on collaborative projects, including constructing cameras, building artificial lungs, and developing presentations to share with their families at the conclusion of the program.
For some students, the rocket launch was the highlight of the week. “The rockets today,” Ediz Ozcan quickly answered when asked about his favorite activity.
The launch provided excitement while also challenging students to think critically, troubleshoot problems, and apply engineering concepts in real time. Sophia Ramos recalled that her rocket failed to launch on its first three attempts. Rather than becoming discouraged, she carefully examined the setup and identified the issue. “The first three times, it had nothing to do with the ignition,” Sophia said. “I was putting the clips on wrong.” After correcting the problem, her rocket successfully launched on the fourth attempt.
“I felt so proud of myself and happy,” she explained. “I felt so relieved when it launched.” – Sophia Ramos, CPET student participant
Experiences like these exemplify the value of hands-on engineering education championed by Traum. For years, Traum has been committed to making engineering approachable, engaging, and memorable for students of all ages. Through his collaboration with CPET, he has helped introduce pre-collegiate students to the excitement of aerospace engineering through hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and build confidence. By guiding students through the process of designing, building, and launching their own rockets, he transformed complex engineering concepts into tangible experiences, giving participants a firsthand look at the creativity, persistence, and problem-solving that define the profession.
The partnership between CPET and MAE highlights a shared commitment to hands-on, experiential learning, giving students access to opportunities they might not otherwise have—especially at a time when limited resources often restrict those kinds of experiences in schools. Through direct interaction with faculty and participation in engineering challenges, students engage with concepts in ways that go beyond what a traditional classroom can typically offer. “As a science educator, I like to see kids doing hands-on science,” Levendusky said. “It’s so limited in schools because resources are limited and experiences are limited.”
Participants brought a wide range of interests to CPET, but many shared a common enthusiasm for STEM. One student, who hopes to attend UF in the future, explained that she joined the program because she wanted to spend her summer exploring science and mathematics while gaining experience in a field she is passionate about. Another described developing a STEM-focused magazine project aimed at encouraging more girls to pursue science and engineering. “We want to show that it’s not just for the guys. We can do it too,” she said.
Through the combined efforts of CPET and MAE, students left with a greater understanding of engineering, new connections with peers and mentors, and a firsthand look at the possibilities that await them in STEM.
