What Students Will Do

  • 🎨 Design Their Rocket - Choose colors, add fins, and customize their rocket body
  • ✂️ Build From Scratch - Construct a rocket from paper, tape, and foam components
  • 🎯 Add Fins for Stability - Learn why fins keep rockets flying straight
  • 🔧 Load the Launcher - Place their rocket on the compressed air launcher
  • 💨 LAUNCH! - Pump up the pressure and watch it fly over 200 feet!
  • 📏 Measure & Compete - Optional distance and accuracy competitions

What Students Will Learn

Aerodynamics

How nose cone shape and fin placement affect flight stability and distance.

Pressure & Force

Compressed air stores energy - when released, it creates thrust that launches the rocket!

Engineering Design

Build, test, observe, improve. Real engineers iterate on their designs!

Scientific Method

Make predictions, test hypotheses, and analyze results - just like real scientists.

Safe & Outdoor Fun!

  • Outdoor Activity - Launches happen on fields, playgrounds, or parking lots
  • Soft Materials - Rockets are made from paper and foam - safe if they land on someone
  • Controlled Launch Zone - Clear safety perimeter established before launches
  • Instructor Supervised - Every launch is supervised for safety
  • Weather Flexible - Works in most weather (we'll reschedule for heavy rain/wind)

Why Schools Love This Workshop

  • High Engagement - Every student is excited to see their rocket fly!
  • Curriculum Aligned - Covers NGSS standards for forces, motion, and engineering
  • All Skill Levels - Works for ages 4 and up with age-appropriate complexity
  • Quick Setup - We bring everything and set up in minutes
  • Memorable Experience - Students talk about launch day for weeks!
  • Take-Home Project - Every student keeps their rocket

Workshop Details

  • Format: One-time workshop - build and launch in one session
  • Duration: 30 minutes to 2 hours (flexible to your schedule)
  • Group Size: Up to 25 students per session
  • Space Needed: Outdoor area - field, playground, or parking lot
  • Equipment: All included - launcher, materials, safety gear
  • Takeaway: Students keep their rockets!

Field Layout

Schools need an outdoor area with room for four stations. Here's how we set up the field:

Landing Zone Flight Path Apex Ideal: 150 yd / Min: 150 ft A Build & Talk B LAUNCH C Altitude Observer D Distance & Retrieval Runners return rockets to A Check wind direction! 🌬️ N/S orientation varies by site

🖨️ Printable version for facility coordinators

Perfect For

  • Science Classes - Forces, motion, aerodynamics, engineering design
  • STEM Days - High-impact activity that's easy to organize
  • Field Days - Fun outdoor activity for the whole school
  • After-School Programs - Engaging hands-on project
  • Scout Troops - Great for earning STEM badges
  • Birthday Parties - Unforgettable outdoor celebration!