abstract
- Integrating model rockets in a first-year engineering course stimulates student motivation and learning by blending physics, computation, and design. This 10-week experimental curriculum engages students through hands-on construction, thrust measurement, stability testing, and iterative redesign of rockets. Students observe theoretical principles in practice, enhancing their understanding of rocket dynamics and flight stability. The intervention boosts intrinsic motivation and reduces amotivation compared to traditional projects, as evidenced by comparative analyses of validated motivation scales and student feedback. This approach not only fosters curiosity and enthusiasm but also reinforces key engineering skills.