BOEING FUTURE U LESSONS

Inspiring Future Innovators in Aviation, Space & the Environment

In partnership with Hunter Defence industry prime contractor Boeing Defence Australia, RDA Hunter’s ME Program is pleased to bring a series of aerospace and engineering lesson plans to the region’s high schools. Developed by Boeing and Discovery Education in the USA, RDA Hunter has worked with local school Catherine McAuley Catholic College, Medowie to match the innovative lessons with the NSW curriculum outcomes.
As a pilot, lessons were taught to 180 Year 7 students at Catherine McAuley Catholic College on the 26th November 2021. Boeing Defence Australia’s Chief Engineer – Classic Hornet, Matthew Sprakel assisted the school’s science teachers to deliver the lessons and provided industry contextualisation and real-life scenarios.

Incorporating the Engineering Design Process and a focus on 21st Century Skills including communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity, Catherine McAuley Catholic College science teachers introduced the Mars Landing Module, where students were challenged with creating a landing system for the world’s first crewed Martian-bound spacecraft.

Additional modules include Sustainable Flight Solutions, Ocean Eco-Exploration, Semi-autonomous propulsion, Topology Optimisation, Deep Space Gateway, Welding, Bioremediation, Long endurance Space Flight, Neutral Buoyancy, Space Ergonomics and Sustainable Aviation Fuels.

Matthew Sprakel said, “Boeing is pleased to support RDA Hunter and local high school students to learn the skills and capabilities that are required for the region’s future engineering and aerospace industries. Delivering these internationally relevant skills with a local industry context will hopefully encourage students to follow STEM education and career pathways in the region.”