Our Educational Philosophy
We believe scientific literacy is forged, not memorized. Our pedagogy is rooted in the synthesis of abstract theory with tangible, kinesthetic learning.
A Lab, Not a Lecture
We champion an inquiry-based model where students are active engineers. Failure is not a setback but a critical data point in the iterative design process, building intellectual resilience and real-world problem-solving skills.
Bridging the Abstract and Applied
We connect foundational principles to the frontiers of discovery. Students don't just learn equations; they apply them to simulate orbital mechanics, design solutions, and explore the very questions that drive modern science.
Exploring the Frontiers of Science
Our curriculum is dynamic, incorporating the latest discoveries and the most profound questions in Earth and Space science.
The Abiogenesis Enigma
We delve into the origin of life, exploring the hydrothermal vent hypothesis and the formidable chemical challenges outlined by modern research, fostering critical analysis of scientific theories.
The Hunt for Life on Mars
Beyond red dust, we investigate the evidence for past water and potential habitats. We discuss the latest findings, such as the potential for subsurface brines and what newly discovered giant viruses on Earth tell us about the resilience of life.
Our Programs
A selection of our hands-on, project-based courses. Each can be further tailored to student interests.
Core Mission: Earth to Orbit
This 4-week journey challenges students to engineer solutions across four domains: Lift & Atmosphere (gliders), Energy & Earth Forces (towers), Water & Propulsion (hydraulics), and Gravity & Orbit (simulators).
Cosmos to Cradle
A 4-week program in cosmology, from the Big Bang and star formation to planetary systems and exoplanets. An optional fifth week explores Dark Matter & Dark Energy.
About the Founder
TerraNova Engineering Lab was founded by Paula Cavalcanti, a veteran of the U.S. Navy and Air Force Reserves with a Master's in Applied Computer Science and a passion for mentorship. Her vision was born from experience leading the Milford High School Engineering Club, where she coached teams to 2nd and 3rd place state-level finishes in the Real World Design Challenge. Paula's mission is to use her unique background in real-world technology and education to create the next generation of innovators and "Zukunftsmacher"—the future-makers who will engineer a better world.
At TerraNova Engineering Lab, our mission is to ignite the next generation of innovators. We bridge the gap between theory and application, using hands-on projects and advanced flight simulation to transform complex principles of physics and aerospace into tangible, exciting challenges. We empower students to build, fail, and solve their way to success, fostering the curiosity and resilience of future engineers and explorers."
Zukunftsmacher!