Upper School students in Advanced Engineering turned theory into action this week as they launched their 3D-designed and custom-built rockets on Tartan Field, showcasing weeks of hands-on modeling, prototyping, testing, and iterative problem-solving.

The rocket launches were the culmination of a multidisciplinary project that centered on the 3D design process, bringing concepts from several STEM fields into a single, high-stakes challenge: design, model, fabricate, and build a working rocket from the ground up and successfully send it into the air.

“These projects bring together everything students have been learning,” said Dr. Eric Trumbauer, AP Physics and Engineering teacher at St. Margaret’s. “It’s not just one subject but a combination of physics, computer science, and advanced design thinking using 3D modeling tools all working together.”

Students applied physics concepts such as motion, forces and balance to ensure their rockets could fly straight and remain stable. A major focus was on 3D design, as students designed rocket components bringing their digital concepts into functional, physical builds.

According to Dr. Trumbauer, nearly every component of the rockets was conceptualized, designed in 3D environments, and then built by students. Dr. Trumbauer said that this project allowed students to learn how to iterate on their designs, troubleshoot structural challenges, and adapt digital models into successful real-world prototypes when something doesn’t go as planned.

On launch day, students gathered on Tartan Field to test their designs, watching as their rockets soared upward before descending under parachutes. Each launch provided immediate feedback, allowing students to evaluate performance and consider improvements. The experience offered a deeper understanding of how classroom concepts translate into real-world engineering.