STEM Rocketry Project & Grant - Secondary (2027 Intake)

Following the success of the recent partnership with the Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools, and a successful grant offering to over 150 schools since 2024, Immersive Education is once again pleased to invite applications for a STEM: Rocketry Project Grant for our 2027 intake. Previous applicants and/or participants from previous grants are eligible and encouraged to re-apply for 2027 to further support STEM implementation in their schools.
  • The STEM Rocketry Project is suitable for students in Years 7-10. Within the project students design, build and launch their own bottle rockets, build and launch two ESTES model rockets, examine process to build their own model rocket through use of software such as OpenRocket. Students also explore three different methods of data collection, including building their own altimeter and using technology assisted collection methods. The STEM Rocketry Project covers a variety of Mathematics, Science, Technology and Engineering concepts such as; Measurement, Speed, Velocity, Acceleration, Trigonometric Calculations, Percentages and Percentage Change, Newtons Laws of Motion, Barrowman’s Equations, Critical & Creative Thinking and Engineering Design Principles. The program can be facilitated as an extra-curricular activity, stand alone STEM subject, as part of a Numeracy, Mathematics, Science or Design Technology unit or an integrated inquiry project.

  • The STEM Rocketry Grant subsidises the cost of implementing the project in each school, and will provide a limited number of successful schools with all the training and resources required to establish the project in their school.

  • The project is a total cost of over $12,000, with the grant subsidising $6,000 of the cost. The STEM Rocketry Project requires a co-contribution of $6,000 from the participating school if participating in both days. Schools who only wish to participate in Day One are only required to contribute $3,000.

  • The full co-contribution includes:

  • Day One – Foundations of Rocketry: Theory and Application [Face-to-Face Professional Learning]

  • This standalone professional learning session provides participants with the foundational knowledge and practical skills required to successfully implement the STEM Rocketry Project within their school. No prior experience with rocketry is required. Teachers of all experience levels are encouraged to attend and will be guided through the key scientific, mathematical, and engineering concepts that underpin rocket design and flight.

  • Participants will explore topics including Newton's Laws of Motion, forces and energy, stability, centre of mass, centre of pressure, aerodynamics, flight prediction, and safe launch procedures. Curriculum links across Science, Mathematics, Technologies, and STEM will also be examined. The practical component focuses on the design, construction, testing, and launching of water and bottle rockets. Teachers will participate in hands-on activities, collect and analyse flight data, and gain a first-hand understanding of how the project can be delivered in a classroom setting.

  • By the end of the session, participants will have the knowledge, resources, and confidence to facilitate foundational rocketry activities with their students.

  • Day Two – Advanced Rocketry and Flight Systems [Face-to-Face Professional Learning]

  • This optional extension professional learning session is designed for teachers wishing to further develop their understanding of rocketry and expand the scope of their school's STEM Rocketry Project.

  • Building upon the concepts explored in Day One, participants will investigate more advanced rocket design principles, propulsion systems, and flight dynamics. Topics include model rocket engines, rocket classification, multi-stage rocket systems, payload design, flight optimisation, and advanced stability considerations.

  • Teachers will design, construct, and launch Estes model rockets while exploring the engineering challenges associated with achieving greater altitude, accuracy, and performance. Participants will also examine strategies for extending student learning through competitions, engineering challenges, and advanced STEM investigations.

  • This session is ideal for schools seeking to develop a comprehensive rocketry program or provide extension opportunities for highly engaged STEM students.

  • Please note: Completion of Day One – Foundations of Rocketry: Theory and Application is a prerequisite for attendance at Day Two. Participants must attend Day One before undertaking the advanced rocketry session.

  • • Three live instructional professional learning webinar for teachers. This will assist with recapping both the theoretical and practical components of the course.

  • • All required physical resources
  • • 2 x Bottle Rocket Launcher and Airpumps with PSI Gauge
  • • 2 x Alti-tracks
  • • 2 x Launch Camera/Recorder
  • • 2 x Digital Altimeter
  • • 2 x Anemometer
  • • 12 x Firestreak (or equivalent) Rockets with Engines, Wadding & Recovery Mechanisms**
  • • 10 x Complex Rockets with Engines, Wadding & Recovery Mechanisms**
  • • 2 x Launch Platforms and Controllers**
  • • Teacher and student supporting resources

  • ** Day 2 Participants only

  • Professional Learning Dates:

  • Thursday 4 February 2027 - 9:00am to 4:00pm – Location TBC (Day One - Face-to-Face Session) [Session held within 30km radius of Melbourne CBD]
  • Friday 5 February 2027 - 9:00am to 4:00pm – Location TBC (Day Two - Face-to-Face Session) [Session held within 30km radius of Melbourne CBD]
  • Thursday 4 March 2027 - 4:00pm to 5:30pm - Optional Online Webinar - Theoretical Components Recap
  • Thursday 18 March 2027 - 4:00pm to 5:30pm - Optional Online Webinar - Practical Components Recap
  • Thursday 15 April 2027 - 4:00pm to 5:30pm - Optional Online Webinar - Extension Components

  • Who Should Attend?
  • This professional learning is best attended by a team of staff from each school. Support is provided for up to four staff from each school. These staff could comprise:

  • • School Leaders & Learning Area Leaders
  • • Classroom Teachers of Mathematics, Science or Technologies
  • • Laboratory Technicians

  • Applications for this grant will close 9:00am Friday 18 September 2026 (End of Term 3).
  • Successful applicants will be informed by Friday 9 October 2026.
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