super fun rocket science in SimpleRockets game 7


Thanks to the folks at jundroo and my daughter’s 5th grade teacher (who mentioned this in her blog) I have a new addictive game to play.  This is real rocket science, and it’s really fun!!  The game is SimpleRockets. It gets 5 out of 5 rocket boosters on the aerospace geek scale.

You get to build your own rocket configurations from a healthy list of components.  There is training that introduces you to fundamental concepts and terms for orbital mechanics, like apogees and retrograde burns.  Then there are a lot of missions that you have to conduct.  Many of them require you to design and build your rocket from scratch, to fit the mission.  I have to say–it’s a blast!! (You probably saw that coming.)

The game is a free app for Apple devices.  For Google play it isn’t unfortunately.  More info and choices here at the game website:

http://jundroo.com/project/simplerockets/

There is also a leaderboard where you can see the top performance of people.  I have no idea how some of those fast times to orbit were achieved…apparently you can build some ridiculously large rocket assemblies.  But from what I can see, the orbital mechanics and physics of the game are excellent.

Let me give a thanks and shout out to the teacher who is another fantastic person to follow for all things STEM, kid-age maker movement, and educational toys.  She is Terri Eichholz, a gifted & talented teacher for kids in grades K-5 in San Antonio, Texas.  If you are a teacher or parent with kids in that age group (or I would add middle school) I enthusiastically recommend you learn from her.  You’ll get more ideas and resources than you can possibly use.  Many channels to choose from:  Engage Their Minds blog, Twitter (@terrieichholz), or Pinterest (terrieichholz).

Screenshot from SimpleRockets

Screenshot from SimpleRockets

 

 

 

 


About Brett Rocket Scientist

Brett creates artful work in engineering, ideas, and innovation. In addition to 2 degrees, 3 patents, and over 15 years experience in aerospace engineering, he is the author of several books to foster STEM careers. He volunteers his time and skills as an officer with professional societies.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

7 thoughts on “super fun rocket science in SimpleRockets game