This hands-on program, designed for high school students who are preparing to take high school Physics or have already completed it, covers critical laws of flight, gravity, and motion, as well as broader topics within aeronautics and aerospace technologies.
Students construct and test model airplanes while examining thrust, lift, drag, and weight under varying conditions. During their experiments, they will also explore the ways in which ailerons, elevators, rudders, and flaps affect an aircraft’s aerodynamics and stability.
Many lectures and exercises will center around acceleration, centripetal force, and g-force.
This program provides a great pre-college experience for teens considering an engineering or computer science major.
This program sells out every year – don’t lose your chance to join us by waiting too long!
This is a competitive admissions summer research program designed for teens.
Cost and Session Information
June 30 - July 18, 2025: Olin College, Needham, MA
Testimonials(10)
"Our program consists of learning about the physics of aerodynamics, which gives us students insight to the life of an aerospace engineer. I loved that while we learned a lot, we also have had a lot of time in making rockets and planes. Our teacher made the class interesting while educational and fun. Overall, I have loved this course and I have learned a lot."
- Student Comment- July 19, 2019
"On the whole, the program was fantastic. We made, tested and flew planes and learned the physics behind how they fly and using that knowledge to improve on the designs.
I liked how the teachers challenged us and the way we think, enabling us to think outside the box!"
- Student Comment- July 19, 2019
"Throughout the physics and engineering program I was able to expand my knowledge on physics and it allowed for an amazing experience that I learned from and had fun. The teachers were exceptional and always supported us through the process."
- Student Comment- July 19, 2019
"I enjoyed learning about the physics and equations for how a plane flies. It was very interesting and engaging. Building the foam planes was also very cool. Mr. Genova was always willing to help people."
- Student Comment- July 20, 2018
"I definitely learned a lot these three weeks while being able to apply my knowledge into something that could fly. The hands-on aspect was a good learning experience and a relief from the common traditional classroom setting I have during the school year."
- Student Comment- July 20, 2018
"I liked that we touched on the mathematical part of physics that tied into our projects. Our teachers let us test our ideas as what engineers do. I'm glad that we were able to design things from scratch and not set projects."
- Student Comment- July 20, 2018
'The program was very educational and it taught me a lot about physics and aerospace engineering. Mr. Genova was not only kind but very helpful as well.'
- Student Comment- July 22, 2016
'I had a lot of fun in the class and learned a lot about the physics of flight as well as what makes a plane successful. Mr. Genova was an excellent teacher and TA Brian was really helpful.'
- Student Comment- July 22, 2016
'We progressed from building paper airplanes to making gliders to finally constructing our own airplanes. I liked that we got to make remote control airplanes and the field trips were very interesting. The teacher explaining the topics very well. The teacher assistant was very helpful as well.'
- Student Comment- July 21, 2017
'The program was very hands-on which was great. My teacher was highly interested in fostering the development of my knowledge in the area of air and space science.'
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