Build a rocket
“Test, evaluate and refine their ideas and products against a specification, taking into
account the views of intended users and other interested groups.”
PenKemp’s much-loved STEM activity
There’s nothing more exciting that building a rocket and setting it off into the sky.
This activity, whilst a lot of fun, also offers budding scientists and engineers a heap of learning opportunities. Better still, these learning opportunities align perfectly with the National Curriculum.
An overview of the activity
Children are provided with a brief: they must use the materials provided to design a rocket in groups, before building the rocket and launching it. After, they’ll need to evaluate their work and decide as a team on what went well, and what could be improved.
In our experience, children find this activity hugely engaging. It provides ample opportunities for teamwork whilst having strong curriculum links. But most importantly, it offers children the chance to take ownership over a real-life design, and to see the results of their hard work when it comes to setting the rocket off.
National Curriculum (England) links
All of PenKemp’s activities are based upon National Curriculum statements and expectations, and this one is no different. Children who take part in this activity will have had learning opportunities for the following National Curriculum statements and links:
Within a group, suggest relevant questions that can be explored scientifically.
Take measurements using a range of scientific equipment.
Identify scientific evidence that has been used to support or refute different ideas or arguments.
Present findings in written form, displays or presentations.
Design a range of different designs and choose the most appropriate.
Confidently match the materials I need to the task.
Measure, mark, cut and assemble (fix together) components (parts) accurately and safely.
Evaluate a product against the original design specification, and suggest how it could be improved or changed.
Take a look at some of our successful ‘Build a Rocket’ sessions:
“Select from and use a wider, more complex range of materials, components and ingredients, taking into account their properties.”
“Develop specifications to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that respond to needs in a variety of situations. ”