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.
