Rocket science experiments provide an exhilarating way for students to engage with complex scientific concepts such as propulsion, aerodynamics, and energy transformation.
This roundup includes a diverse array of hands-on rocket related activities. These engaging and educational rocket science experiments are suitable for various age groups and learning environments.
Whether you’re a science teacher looking to elevate your physics curriculum, a parent seeking weekend projects that combine fun with learning, these carefully tested experiments will help launch curiosity to new heights.
1. Soda-Powered Space Launch
Soda-powered space launch demonstrates cause and effect by using a chemical reaction to propel an object upward. Children combine baking soda and vinegar inside a small rocket or container, producing carbon dioxide gas that builds pressure until it forces the container to launch.
Learn more: 123 Homeschool 4me
2. Rocket Mouse
Rocket mouse demonstrates basic principles of air pressure and force by launching a lightweight paper mouse using an empty plastic bottle. Children place the paper mouse on the bottle’s opening, then squeeze the bottle to push out the air, causing the mouse to launch into the air.
Learn more: Science Sparks
3. Make Your Own Bottle Rocket
Making your own air rocket helps children understand air pressure and force by launching a paper rocket using a plastic bottle. They attach a paper rocket to a straw or tube placed over the bottle’s opening, then squeeze the bottle to force air out, propelling the rocket forward.
Learn more: Science Sparks
4. The Straw Rocket
The straw rocket activity helps children understand force and motion by launching a paper rocket using air pressure. They attach a small paper rocket to a straw, then blow into the straw to propel it forward. This activity reinforces cause and effect by demonstrating how air movement creates thrust.
Learn more: Science Sparks
5. Easy DIY Stomp Rocket
The easy DIY stomp rocket activity helps children understand force and motion by launching a paper rocket using air pressure. They create a simple rocket from paper and attach it to a straw or tube connected to a plastic bottle. By stomping on the bottle, they force air through the tube, propelling the rocket into the air.
Learn more: Science Sparks
6. Squeeze Bottle Rocket
The squeeze bottle rocket activity helps children understand air pressure and force by launching a lightweight rocket using a plastic bottle. They attach a small paper or foam rocket to a straw or tube placed over the bottle’s opening, then squeeze the bottle to push air through the tube, propelling the rocket forward.
Learn more: Mom Brite
7. Balloon Rocket
The balloon rocket activity demonstrates how air pressure and thrust create movement. A balloon is inflated and attached to a string stretched between two fixed points. When released, the escaping air propels the balloon forward along the string.
Learn more: Paging Fun Moms
8. Make a Tea Bag Rocket
The tea bag rocket activity demonstrates how heat causes air to rise, creating lift. To perform this experiment, an empty tea bag is cut open, emptied, and shaped into a cylinder. When the top edge is lit, the flame burns downward, heating the surrounding air. As the tea bag becomes lighter, the rising hot air lifts it into the air before it disintegrates.
Learn more: Kids Activities Blog
9. Rocket Paper Cup
The rocket paper cup activity demonstrates force and motion using a simple launching mechanism. A paper cup is decorated as a rocket and placed over a rubber band or balloon launcher. When the rubber band is stretched and released or the balloon deflates, the force propels the cup upward.
10. Make a Film Canister Rocket
The film canister rocket activity demonstrates how gas pressure creates thrust. A small amount of water and an effervescent tablet are placed inside a film canister before sealing it tightly. As the tablet dissolves, it releases carbon dioxide gas, building pressure until the lid pops off, propelling the canister into the air.
Learn more: Science Sparks
11. Baking Soda Rocket
This post from Babble Dabble Do shows you how to make baking soda and vinegar rockets using simple household materials. Kids will love the hands-on fizz, pop, and blast-off, while learning about chemical reactions and basic rocket science in a fun, safe way.
Learn more: Babble Dabble Do
12. DIY Alka-Seltzer Rockets!
The DIY Alka-Seltzer rocket activity demonstrates how a chemical reaction creates gas pressure to launch a small container. A film canister or similar container is filled with water, and an Alka-Seltzer tablet is added before sealing it tightly with the lid.
As the tablet dissolves, it releases carbon dioxide gas, building pressure until the lid forcefully pops off, propelling the container into the air.
Learn more: Learning Resources
13. Bottle, Pencil, and Fizzing Vinegar Power
The bottle, pencil, and fizzing vinegar power activity demonstrates how a chemical reaction generates gas pressure to create thrust. A plastic bottle is positioned upside down with three or four pencils attached as legs for stability. Baking soda is wrapped in tissue or placed in a small packet, then inserted into the bottle with vinegar before sealing the opening with a cork.
Learn more: Frugal Fun 4 Boys
14. PVC Pipe Bottle Rocket
The PVC pipe bottle rocket activity demonstrates how air pressure generates thrust to launch a rocket. A plastic bottle is fitted onto a PVC pipe launcher, which is connected to a pressurized air source such as a pump. When air is rapidly released into the bottle, the force propels it upward. This activity reinforces cause and effect by showing how compressed air creates movement.
Learn more: Preschool Powol Pockets