The Hohmann transfer as an application for teaching introductory physics

Abstract

We discuss a two-week module on astrodynamics that uses the Hohmann transfer—a space maneuver used to travel between two planetary orbits—as a capstone assignment, unifying a variety of introductory physics topics. The module was part of a summer bridge program for incoming STEM majors at our institution with the aim of facilitating the transition to college by helping students develop computational skills, competency in physics and engineering concepts, and effective habits needed for success and persistence in STEM. The Hohmann transfer was selected because it is challenging and unfamiliar to most students, yet utilizes a variety of basic physics topics. The course culminated in designing a trip from Earth to Venus, which students simulated themselves in VPython. No prior knowledge of physics or programming was required. Thirty students who declared majors in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics completed the course in the summers of 2018 and 2019. All students were low-income, Pell-eligible, and most were first-generation college students. Over 90% of students were Black or Hispanic. This group is most at risk of leaving STEM, yet 80% of students who took this course were retained in STEM. In this paper, we present the course goals and learning objectives, details on the computational modeling of the Hohmann transfer, and student outcomes including grades, retention rates, survey results, and interview data.