Recently, the new Hurricane Rocketry Club at The University of Tulsa put on an explosive hands-on event for fifth- and sixth-graders from University School. The students didn’t just learn —they launched their own stomp rockets, guided by passionate mechanical engineering students from UTulsa’s College of Engineering & Computer Science.
It was a day of thrills, curiosity, and a whole lot of STEM fun. And that’s just a glimpse of what makes UTulsa’s campus an exciting place to be — where students don’t just study science and engineering — they live it.
Engineering students are excited to help cultivate an early love for exploration and discovery, ensuring that each experience leaves a lasting impact on the students’ journeys toward their own interests and goals.
“My passion for engineering started back in elementary school, so being able to give back to kids the same age means a lot,” said Ryan Smith, president of the Hurricane Rocketry Club.
Gabriel Fuchs, Ph.D. and director of University School sees these connections as a benefit to both UTulsa and elementary students. “We’re always looking for new ways to connect University School with UTulsa, creating opportunities that expose our students to the wealth of resources the university has to offer,” said Fuchs. “It’s a joy for the kids, and this kind of partnership is at the core of what makes our school so special.”
This collaboration between the Hurricane Rocketry Club and University School aims to not only provide an enjoyable learning experience for the younger students but also inspire a new generation to explore the world of engineering and STEM.
“My personal interest in STEM sparked when I saw the Falcon 9 booster land in fifth grade,” said Gabrielle Buxton, vice president of the Hurricane Rocketry Club. “The future is STEM, but it’s so much more than just science, tech, engineering, and math; it’s about solving problems of every kind.”
The Hurricane Rocketry Club is gearing up for another high-flying return to University School — this time, with even more rockets, activities, and hands-on STEM action for students of all ages. By sparking curiosity and inspiring creativity, the club is on a mission to fuel the next generation of engineers and innovators. It’s all about getting young minds excited about what’s possible, and showing them that the sky’s the limit when it comes to STEM.
Want in on the action? Whether you’re building rockets or just dreaming big, UTulsa is where future engineers take flight.
About University School
The University of Tulsa’s University School fosters early education through middle school pioneering in educating bright young minds since 1982. Dedicated to creating a challenging yet nurturing environment for students which empowers them to reach their full potential. Programs combine academic rigor with personalized support, ensuring each student receives the education they need to excel. Learn more at https://uschool.utulsa.edu/.