Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

TEKS: 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B

Students will:

• Research aerodynamics, descent profiles, and safe landing forces
• Code Micro:bits to capture altitude and acceleration data
• Build and refine parachute systems through iterative tests
• Collect and analyze descent data to meet impact tolerance goals
• Produce engineering documentation and a final technical presentation

Project

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

TEKS: 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H,  3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G, 6A, 6B

Students will:

• Create a professional résumé and cover letter
• Practice interviewing skills and professional etiquette
• Research career pathways and employment expectations
• Build interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
• Add résumé and artifacts to their professional portfolio

Project

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

All TEKS strands apply depending on placement

TEKS: 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B

Students will:

• Secure a STEM-related internship placement
• Follow workplace rules, ethics, and safety procedures
• Complete weekly logs, reflections, and supervisor evaluations
• Demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, and communication
• Add internship artifacts to their portfolio (resume updates, work samples, supervisor evaluation)
•  

Project

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

TEKS: 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B

Students will:

• Conduct technical research based on NASA design criteria, including materials science, human-factors engineering, information technology (IT) systems, and the integration of emerging AI tools to support modeling, data analysis, documentation, or automation of design tasks.
• Develop prototypes using CAD, fabrication, and testing methods
• Present PDR, CDR, and FDR reviews to NASA evaluators
• Communicate findings through professional engineering documentation
• Prepare artifacts for NASA HUNCH presentation 

Project 

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

TEKS: 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B

Students will:

• Conduct subsystem research (propulsion, recovery, avionics, structures)
• Build professional engineering documentation: Proposal → PDR → CDR → FRR
• Use CAD, simulation, and materials testing to develop all  components of the rocket
• Coordinate team roles, deadlines, and collaborative engineering tasks
• Participate in launch operations and post-launch analysis
• Prepare systems engineering artifacts and white paper report for their final portfolio

Project

Dates

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

6 Weeks

7A,7B, 7C

Students will:

• Understand the role of manufacturing in society and the economy
• Identify major sectors of manufacturing
• Explore safety standards (OSHA)

• Project
• Exam

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

6 Weeks

5A, 5B,3A,3B

Students will:

• Classify materials (metals, polymers, ceramics, composites)
• Describe mechanical properties (tensile strength, hardness)

• Project
• Exam

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

6 Weeks

6A,6B,6C

Students will:

• Identify and compare processes: casting, forming, machining, joining, additive
• Understand process flow

• Project
• Exam

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

6 Weeks

1A,1B,1C

Students will:

• Understand CAD tools
• Learn DFM principles (cost, simplicity, tolerances)

Project

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

6 Weeks

7C

Students will:

• Use precision tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges)
• Define tolerance, fit, and quality metrics

Project

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

6 Weeks

2B,2A,4A,4B,4C,4D,4E

Students will:

• Learn basics of automation and control systems
• Program a basic robotic arm or PLC simulation

Project

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

5 weeks

TEKS: 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D,1E, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 4B, 4E, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6E, 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E 

Students will:

• Identify engineering career paths, follow professional norms, and collaborate effectively during initial team-building activities.
• Set up and maintain ENBs, apply annotation conventions, and explain the importance of intellectual property.
• Brainstorm, prototype, test, and evaluate quick-build solutions using structured design steps.

Projects and quizzes

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

4 WEEKS

TEKS: 2F, 2G, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 10A, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G

Students will:

• Generate, record, and evaluate design ideas while practicing divergent and convergent thinking.
• Create accurate pictorial sketches using proportion, depth, and annotated details.
• Use design principles to improve existing products and analyze how technology influences design.
• Redesign a consumer product applying elements and principles of design.

Projects and quizzes

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

4 weeks

TEKS: 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 6B, 6C, 6D, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G

Students will:

• Apply line types, scales, and proper layout to create basic mechanical drawings.
• Produce accurate oblique and isometric sketches demonstrating proportion and depth.
• Construct 1-, 2-, and 3-point perspective drawings applying scale and vanishing points.
• Create properly scaled front, top, and side views using precise measurements.

Projects

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

5 weeks

TEKS: 2G, 3C, 3D, 3E, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6E, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H

Students will:

• Create parametric parts, assemble components, and produce annotated working drawings.
• Create CAD drawings for the Puzzle Cube, model and annotate 17 isometric practice shapes, 
• Create CAD models and drawings of the Miniature Train assembly to demonstrate CAD proficiency.

Projects

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

2 weeks

TEKS: 4G, 5A, 5B, 5C, 6D, 10A

Students will:

• Use calipers to take precise linear measurements of cube samples.
• Convert measurements between U.S. customary and SI units.
• Record and analyze data to calculate mean, range, and standard deviation.
• Apply measurement accuracy concepts to design and modeling activities.

Projects and quizzes

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

3 weeks

TEKS: 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H

Students will:

• Perform visual, functional, and structural analyses of an existing product using proper engineering terminology.
• Disassemble a product safely, documenting each component’s material, geometry, and purpose.
• Reassemble and model selected parts in Autodesk Inventor.
• Develop improvement proposals and redesigned components, supported by sketches, CAD drawings, and a digital report.
• Present findings in a professional reverse engineering report following engineering documentation standards.

Project and presentation

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

5 weeks

TEKS: 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H

Students will:

• Apply the engineering design process to plan and build a load-bearing cardboard chair.
• Conduct research on structural strength, environmental sustainability, and material efficiency of corrugated cardboard.
• Create sketches, orthographic and isometric CAD drawings, and scaled prototypes before full construction.
• Assign specific engineering roles (systems, structural, and digital engineer) and collaborate to meet testing requirements.
• Evaluate their chair for ergonomics, strength, and design efficiency (weight ratio ≥ 20:1).
• Present their project, including academic display and oral presentation, to administrators and staff.

Project and presentation

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

5 weeks

TEKS: 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H

Students will:

• Research aerodynamics, drag, and Newton’s Laws as applied to vehicle propulsion.
• Design a CO₂ car in Autodesk Inventor using orthographic and isometric drawings.
• Safely operate hand and power tools (bandsaw, drill press, sanders) following lab safety rules and proper PPE use.
• Manufacture, sand, and paint the car to minimize drag and meet competition specifications.
• Conduct and document safety checks before track testing, including launch area clearance and pressure cylinder inspection.
• Race and collect speed and distance data; evaluate design performance and efficiency.
• Present final results based on Speed, Design Efficiency, Aesthetics, and Safety Compliance.

Project and presentation

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Assessment Type 

8-9 weeks

1 A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, 7G, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D

Students will:

• Investigate, Design, and Construct using simple and compound machines including.
• Investigate, Design, and Construct using gears, sprockets, and pulley systems. 
• Investigate types of energy sources, 
• Investigate electrical systems and circuits

Project and Written Test 

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Assessment Type 

8 weeks

1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 3G, 3H, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 9F, 9G, 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E

Students will:

• Investigate the transfer of energy types in energy systems
• Identify how hydrogen fuel cells and solar cells create electricity
• Investigate Design and Construct robotic machines

Project and Written Test

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Assessment Type 

9 weeks

1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 3G, 3H, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I, 10J, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 14F, 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E, 15F, 15G, 15H, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D

Students will:

• Investigate, Calculate, and Design structures with respect Forces and Moments
• Investigate and Calculate Fluid Power systems
• Calculate distance, displacement, speed, velocity, and acceleration from data
• Illustrate, calculate, and experimentally measure all forces acting upon a given body
• Locate the centroid of structural members mathematically or experimentally

Project and Written Test

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Assessment Type 

8-9 weeks

1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 3G, 3H, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 9F, 11A, 11B, 11C, 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D

Students will:

• Calculate external and internal forces in a statically determinate truss using translational
• and rotational equilibrium equations.
• Identify and compare measurements and calculations of sample material properties
• Evaluate system energy requirements in order to select the proper energy source

Project and Written Test

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

TEKS: 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 5A, 5B, 5C, 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 9F

Students will:

• Analyze the contributions of early rocketry pioneers, Tsiolkovsky, NASA missions, and modern industry
• Explore how scientific discovery influences engineering design
• Discuss ethics, innovation, and careers in aerospace
• Begin engineering notebooks and documentation practices

Project/IBC

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

TEKS: 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, 7G, 7H

Students will:

• Apply Newton’s Laws to rocket flight
• Conduct vector addition labs and torque demos
• Measure weight vs. mass and analyze altitude vs. weight relationships
• Explore mechanical stresses, stability, and six degrees of freedom
• Use models, calculations, and demonstrations to predict rocket behavior

2 weeks

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

TEKS: 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I, 111A, 11B, 11C

Students will:

• Brainstorm and design Gen 1 rockets with no specifications provided
• Build rockets using classroom materials
• Conduct a safety review and Gen 1 test launch
• Record flight data, failures, and lessons learned in ENBs
• Perform a structured Post-Mission Analysis (PMA)
•  

                  Project

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

TEKS: 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, 7G, 7H, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I, 111A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11H, 11I

Students will:

• Use altitude prediction charts to model performance
• Apply aerodynamic concepts to fin shape, nose cone shape, and body design
• Conduct Gen 2 Flight Readiness Review (FRR)
• Launch and collect quantitative data
• Conduct a full Gen 2 PMA and finalize design lessons
•  

Project/IBC

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

TEKS: 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, 7G, 7H, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F

Students will:

• Conduct drag and lift experiments
• Perform resistance testing using vacuums and flow models
• Evaluate fin geometry and aerodynamic tradeoffs
• Begin early CAD modeling of rocket components
• Create technical drawings and sketches following engineering standards

Project/IBC

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

TEKS: 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, 7G, 7H, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I, 111A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11H, 11I

Students will:

• Use simulation software to refine rocket mass, stability, drag, and predicted performance
• Validate simulation data against physical measurements
• Complete Gen 3 FRR
• Launch Gen 3 and conduct PMA
• Submit full design documentation and engineering notebook entries

Project/IBC

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

TEKS: 2B, 2C, 2D, 7D, 7E, 7F, 7G, 7H, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F

Students will:

• Build simple circuits with switches, resistors, and multimeters

• Understand continuity, arming switches, and safety interlocks

• Incorporate simple electronics into data-logging payloads

• Document circuits using schematics

Project/IBC

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

TEKS: 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, 7G, 7H, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I, 111A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11H, 11I

Students will:

• Research 1-lb-1-mile constraints and select materials
• Create full CAD models and engineering drawings
• Use the EDP to define the problem, criteria, and constraints
• Conduct FRR and safety review
• Launch at competition site
• Complete PMA and a final engineering portfolio
   

Project/IBC

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

TEKS: 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 6C, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 9F, 

Students will:

• Present final project results to teachers, engineers, and/or administrators
• Analyze engineering ethics, patents, and intellectual property
• Research engineering pathways
• Learn how innovation drives aerospace growth and economic impact
• Finalize engineering notebooks

Project/IBC

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

TEKS: 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1I, 1J, 1K, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 5A, 5B, 5C, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 

Students will:

• Research major aerospace eras, missions, failures, and breakthroughs
• Explore historical context, world events, and the evolution of rockets & aircraft
• Create a children’s storybook that simplifies complex aerospace concepts for young learners
• Communicate aerospace history clearly, ethically, and creatively
• Present their storybooks to peers or younger students

1.5 weeks

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

TEKS: 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 6D, 6E, 6F, 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8I, 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 9F, 9G, 9H, 9I, 9J, 9K, 9L, 9M, 

Students will:

• Apply the Engineering Design Process to build Gen V1 rockets
• Observe failure modes & analyze instability, CP, and CG
• Build V2 rockets with a focus on fin design, body shape, stability margin, and aerodynamic drag
• Launch and perform post-mission analysis (PMA)
• Document findings in engineering notebooks

2.5 weeks

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

TEKS: 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8I, 8J, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 

Students will:

• Build Excel-based mathematical models for the ball drop
• Compare prediction vs. actual test data
• Connect drag, air density, and acceleration to aerospace systems
• Learn basic computational modeling techniques
• Document the model and justify assumptions

2 weeks

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

TEKS: 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8I, 8J, 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F, 12D, 12E, 12F,

Students will:

• Build a 1-DOF Excel/Python model to Mach 1.2 under ~13k ft
• Add thrust curves, drag coefficients, mass profiles, and wind modeling
• Evaluate performance using software (OpenRocket/RASaero)
• Compare simulation results to math model outputs
• Prepare and refine a professional Profile Presentation for NASA Engineers

3 weeks

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

TEKS: 1C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 5A, 5B, 5C, 

Students will:

• Prepare a professional technical briefing
• Justify flight model assumptions
• Explain how drag, thrust, altitude, pressure, and Mach conditions influence performance
• Respond to engineering critique
• Modify model based on feedback

2 weeks

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

TEKS: 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F, 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 14F,

Students will:

• Create full-scale drawings and CAD models
• Identify materials, manufacturing processes, failure modes, and safety constraints
• Conduct component testing: altimeter checks, parachute Cd testing, crush tests, composites, 3D printing
• Produce a CDR that addresses mission requirements, stability, drag, propulsion, and safety
• Pass the CDR review panel before proceeding

4 weeks

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

TEKS: 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1I, 1J, 1K, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F, 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 14F,

Students will:

• Generate purchase orders
• Fabricate structures (fins, tubes, nose cone, avionics bay)
• Perform mechanical, electrical, and aerodynamic testing
• Conduct dry-fits and systems integration
• Update all engineering documentation, schematics, and drawings

December thru March

Dates

TEKS

Unit Goals

Approximate Assessment Window 

TEKS: 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1I, 1J, 1K, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 5A, 5B, 5C, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F, 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F, 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E, 

Students will:

• Complete FRR with safety, risk assessment, and mission profile
• Perform full-scale launch at designated SystemsGo range
• Collect flight data using altimeters and sensors
• Conduct a Fault Tree Analysis
• Perform Post Mission Analysis (PMA) using math models and actual flight data
• Produce final technical documentation

March thru May