Cosmic Union Rocket Academy
A hands-on engineering project that has children apply physics principles such as air resistance, thrust, aerodynamics and angular deviation in the school garden. In an academy set in the Heroes of the Cosmic Union universe, children become rocket engineers.
Fact sheet
Fact sheet
- Age group
- Ages 5–15 · preschool to middle school
- Duration
- About 180 minutes
- Session
- Half a day; groups in teams
- Capacity
- Depending on the size of the launch area
- Venue
- School garden, lawn, open area
- Technical
- Launch ramps and mission control panel provided by us
- Safety
- Only air and water; ramps meeting occupational health and safety standards
- Output
- A rocket they designed themselves
Overview
First, students put on rocket engineer outfits for their role. Then, using a rocket design template, they build their own rockets, from balancing the aerodynamic fins to designing the body. They personalise the rocket, made from recycled materials, with stickers and finish it by adding a parachute so it lands safely.
The moment the rockets rise into the sky from special launch ramps creates huge excitement and team spirit on campus. Only air and water are used for the launch; no flammable, explosive or hazardous chemicals. After reaching the target height, the rockets open their parachutes and land. Middle schools have a separate competition format: students build their rockets from scratch before the event.
Experience flow
- 01
Registration and costumes
Academy registration, engineer’s vest and helmet.
- 02
Design
Body and fin decisions on the template.
- 03
Production
Assembling the parts, stickers and parachute.
- 04
Mission control
Countdown on the control panel.
- 05
Launch and landing
Lift-off with air and water pressure, landing by parachute.
What does the participant do?
- Decides on their rocket’s design and draws it on the template
- Assembles the body, fins and parachute themselves
- Shares the launch order and tasks with their team
- Watches the flight and discusses the result of their design
Themes and outcomes
- Newton’s laws of motion
- Action–reaction: water spraying backwards pushes the rocket forwards.
- Aerodynamics
- How the nose cone and fins affect flight.
- Pressure
- The energy of air compressed with a pump.
- Engineering design process
- Design, build, test, improve.
What does it mean for your organisation?
Turns the force and motion topics of science lessons into an engineering day in the school garden that parents can see.
All solutions for SchoolsThe most anticipated event of the week: design in the morning, launch before noon; families come to watch.
All solutions for HotelsA safe launch zone on the festival site; teams change throughout the day.
All solutions for MunicipalitiesA family-day activity done in teams by employees and their children.
All solutions for Companies and brandsDelivery models
Ready-made rocket
For preschool and primary, ready-made bodies made from recycled materials are personalised.
Build your own rocket
Middle-school groups build their rockets in advance using videos and a full materials list.
Competition day
Awards in the best design and best flight categories.
Festival station
An open-air launch zone with teams changing throughout the day.
Technical and venue
- A clear open area that can be marked off
- Shaded tables for preparation
- Water access
- Ramps, control panel and all materials provided by us
Safety and permits
- Only air and water; no flammable or explosive substances
- Controlled launch mechanisms meeting occupational health and safety standards
- A marked waiting area and launches controlled by the team
- Timing according to wind and weather
Frequently asked questions
How many students can take part?
Planned according to the size of the launch area and the number of teams; in large schools groups are formed grade by grade.
What if it rains?
Design and building take place indoors; the right time for the launch is agreed together.
How does the middle-school version work?
Groups receive production videos and a materials list, rockets are built in advance and the competition takes place on event day.
Videos
The video starts muted when it comes into view; tap the button on the video to turn the sound on.
Photos
9 photos. Tap to enlarge.
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