CU Pilots (Grades 9-12)
June 22-26Ìý(Online registration closes June 12. Call 303-492-7188 to register after this date.)
9:30am-3pm
July 13-17Ìý(Online registration closes July 3. Call 303-492-7188 to register after this date.)
9:30am-3pm
$650 + $185 flight instruction fee = $835
Location:ÌýOfelia Miramontes and Leonard Baca Education BuildingÌý
Have you ever wanted to fly a plane? Whether you dream of designing the next generation of aircraft or simply want to understand how humans take to the sky first hand, this program offers a full week of exploration, engineering, and flight. Boulder is home to pioneering research in aerospace and aeronautics, from next-generation aircraft design to world-class atmospheric science. Join university engineers, pilots, and researchers to explore what it takes to fly. Starting from the ground we will build up an understanding of lift, airfoils, airplanes, and flight dynamics. Students will design, build, and test their own balsa wood gliders, experiment with weather and navigation tools, and experience hands-on ‘ground school’ activities that prepare them to think like pilots. The week with culminate with a discovery flight offered by our partners at Journeys Aviation at Boulder Municipal Airport where you will get to sit in the pilot seat of a single engine two-seater aircraft with a local flight instructor.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the history of human flight, including engineering challenges and risks inherent in flight.
- Construct a balsa wood glider as the result of iterative testing and learning about aircraft design.
- Instill a feeling of accomplishment and belonging in STEM fields and aeronautics in particular.
- Meet local pilots, researchers, and other interested parties to form a community of interest to tap into for future exploration of flying, including getting a pilots license.
- Fly a plane.
What to Bring:ÌýWhile at Science Discovery, participants are expected to store their personal belongings in their backpack. Space is limited so please limit the number of personal items brought from home. All items should be labeled with the participant’s first and last name in case an item is misplaced.ÌýPlease send your child with the following each day:
- A backpack (sized to fit your child) for carrying personal items and any camp materials they will be bringing home
- Filled water bottle(s)
- 1-2 snacks (or more), depending on the child's needs
- A sack lunch that does not require refrigeration
- Closed-toed shoes
- A hair tie to hold back lengthy hair, if applicable
- All camps spend a portion of each day outside. Please send your child with clothing appropriate for the daily forecasted weather (jacket, sweatshirt,Ìýrain poncho, etc.)
- Optional: A mask or any additional Personal Protective Equipment the child wishes to utilize
​Grade Policy:ÌýCU Science Discovery serves students in grades K-12. Careful consideration is used to determine grade levels for all camps and classes. To provide the highest quality experience for all participants, it is necessary to adhere to the specified grade range for all camps and classes.
Cancellation and Transfer Policy:ÌýScience Discovery has designed its cancellation policy to minimize the number of camp and classÌýspots that are unused due to last-minute cancellations. Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the start of the camp/class will incur a $35 administrative fee. NoÌýrefunds will be given for cancellations made within 30 days of the start of the camp/class. In the event that a camp/classÌýis cancelled by Science Discovery, registrants will receive a full refund.ÌýTransfer requests made up to 30 days prior to the start of a camp/class will incur a $15ÌýadministrativeÌýfee. Transfer requests made within 30Ìýdays of the start of a camp/class will incur a $35 administrative fee.