The Compressed Air Rocket Workshop

Reach for the stars with our awesome compressed air rockets

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The Compressed Air Rocket Workshop

Become a rocket scientist and launch a rocket over 100 metres!

Age Suitability

KS1 upwards

Participants

Up to 300 participants - even more if it's part of a circus of activities

Duration

Typically about 60 to 90 minutes

STEM Topics

Determined by key stage

Forces, Aerodynamics, Newton's Laws of Motion

Information Pack

The workshop

Pupils work in pairs or teams of three to design and build simple card and paper rockets and launch them from our specially built compressed air rocket launchers.

At full pressure, our launchers can send a well-built rocket over 100 metres down range and up to 30 metres altitude.  Don’t worry if you don’t have that kind of space as we can adjust the launcher pressure and inclination for smaller spaces.

If you really don’t have any suitable outdoor space you might want to look at The Micro Plane Workshop instead.

Workshop Requirements

To run the workshop we need access to a space large enough to accommodate all of the participants for the introduction at the start of the workshop.

We will then need a space or spaces suitable for the number of participants to undertake a practical activity. For larger groups we will usually split into a number of separate classrooms for the rocket construction. 

For launching we will need access to a large outdoor space, preferably as far from roads etc as possible.

Workshop Format

The session starts with an introduction to rocket science.  This may include demonstrations of some small alcohol fuelled rockets and the Wonderstruck Hoverchair if you haven’t already had our Rocket Show as a starter activity. 

Participants then return to classrooms to work in pairs or teams to build their own rockets.  We encourage participants to use their scientific knowledge to design and make their own fins and nose cones to allow their rocket to travel as far as possible.

 Once they’re complete, we take them outside for launching.

The activity is generally competitive, based on whose rocket travels the furthest.

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Get in touch

Our booking process is simple. You get in contact and we arrange a date. Try not to leave it to the last minute to avoid disappointment. We’re quick to respond but if you have a certain timeframe that suits you then let us know in the Message space below.

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