Summer Camp Students Visit AEM Department

Thirty middle school students from grades 7 through 9 recently visited the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics (AEM) as part of the 2025 National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) camp. The visit offered a hands-on introduction to the field of aerospace engineering, guided by current undergraduate and graduate students.

The afternoon began with interactive sessions in the department's various labs, where students observed flow visualization techniques and learned about fracture mechanics. These demonstrations helped students understand how engineers analyze airflow and structural integrity, some of the most critical concepts in designing aircraft and spacecraft.

Next, the students experienced the department’s flight simulator. Each participant had the chance to “fly” a virtual aircraft, gaining insight into the complexities of flight control and piloting. The group then toured the adjacent drone lab, where they explored how drones are designed and utilized for transportation and logistics.

The day concluded with a parachute-building activity led by the Minnesota Space Grant Consortium (MnSGC). Using napkins and string, students constructed their own miniature parachutes, attached a candy payload, and tested their designs by dropping them from special poles fitted with hooks to help hoist the parachutes up towards the ceiling. The activity combined engineering principles with a fun, hands-on challenge that encouraged teamwork and experimentation.

The visit provided students with an engaging glimpse into aerospace engineering and highlighted the exciting possibilities within the transportation field.