Thinking Like Engineers: Exploring the Science of Flight with Rolls-Royce Japan
Rolls-Royce Japan STEM Day | February 2026
Event Overview
Partner: Rolls-Royce Japan Co., Ltd.
Students: Year 3
Theme: Next Generation Innovation
Activity: STEM Day – The Science of Flight and Engineering Design
Bringing Learning to Life
Balloon helicopters filled the classroom as our Year 3 students worked alongside engineers from Rolls-Royce Japan to discover the science behind flight.
As part of our growing partnership, students explored how aeroplanes fly, how jet engines generate thrust and the many careers involved in designing, building and maintaining aircraft. More importantly, they discovered that engineering is about curiosity, creativity, teamwork and solving problems.
📷 Rolls-Royce Japan President, Susumu Kaminaga, introducing Year 3 students to the science of flight.
Working alongside Rolls-Royce engineers, students put their learning into practice by designing, building and testing their own balloon-powered helicopters. Through experimentation, they quickly discovered that even small changes could have a big impact on performance.
📷Exploring the science of flight during the STEM workshop.
Student Voice
"I'd like to learn more about how planes fly."
— Year 3 student
As students refined their helicopter designs, they learned that engineering is rarely about getting everything right the first time. Instead, it is about asking questions, learning from mistakes and continuously improving through teamwork and experimentation.
📷 Testing his balloon-powered helicopter
Student Voice
"My favourite part was making the balloon helicopter."
— Year 3 student
Why It Matters
Experiences like this help students connect classroom learning with the real world. By working alongside professional engineers, they see how science, creativity and teamwork come together to solve practical challenges.
For many students, this was their first opportunity to meet engineers working in the aviation industry, opening their eyes to exciting future careers while encouraging them to think creatively, ask questions and believe in their own ideas.
📷 Learning alongside a Rolls-Royce Japan engineer.
Student Voice
"I learned how planes fly."
— Year 3 student
Looking Ahead
At Laurus, partnerships like this are more than one-off events. They are part of our commitment to connecting classroom learning with authentic experiences that inspire curiosity and broaden horizons.
We look forward to continuing our partnership with Rolls-Royce Japan and creating even more opportunities for students to explore science, engineering and innovation alongside industry professionals.
Thank You
Our sincere thanks to everyone at Rolls-Royce Japan for generously sharing your time, expertise and enthusiasm with our Year 3 students.
Your partnership continues to inspire curiosity, creativity and a love of engineering, and we look forward to working together again in the future.
Next Generation Community Partnerships
Through our Next Generation Community Partnerships, Laurus connects students with leading organisations across science, technology, engineering, business, healthcare, sustainability and the arts.
Together, we create authentic learning experiences that inspire curiosity, broaden horizons and help prepare students to thrive in an ever-changing world.
