STEM Stomp Rocket Experiment for Kids

It’s time to head of into outer space with this fun rocket experiment for kids. Based on the on of our favourite space books for kids this Space Themed Activity is ideal for doing with kids of all ages using a stomp rocket.

Mousetronaut Goes to Mars

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Our story is Moustronaut Goes to Mars, about a mouse who hitches a ride on the first human spaceflight to Mars.  He stays hidden for six months. Then, as they finally reach Mars, their landing craft engine has a problem that only a small mouse can solve.

The story includes interesting details of space travel, such as the heavy vibration of the rocket on launch, and an illustration of how astronauts sleep in space. It’s a simple enough story for an older preschooler to follow, yet interesting enough even for my elementary aged kids.  My oldest, Liam, eagerly read the detailed nonfiction afterward about the history of human’s understanding of Mars, and our past and future explorations of the red planet.

Want more ideas for space book to read with kids – check out our favourite space-themed stories for toddlers and preschoolers

Learning About MarS with kids

Liam and of one of my twins have long been fascinated by all things space. We live near Houston, and love visiting the space center here. They have some cool exhibits about Mars.

One of them lets kids pretend to launch two different rockets, one to the moon, and the other to Mars. I think the point is to show how much further Mars is. For my kids, though, the point was to see who could launch their rocket first and highest. I had a hard time getting them to leave.

Rocket Play as a Learning Activity

So later at home, they were all for it when I suggested we pull out our Stomp Rockets. We’ve had ours since Liam was about 4, and the kids still like playing with them. They love trying to send the foam rockets as high in the air as possible. We’ve also set them up in a big open area to send them as far horizontally as possible.

The cool thing about sending the rockets out horizontally is that you can more easily measure how far they go. That way, you can turn it into an educational activity. We set up a simple science experiment that give the kids practice with measurement and using the scientific method.

STEM Rocket Investigation

I teach kids about the scientific method by telling them to make sure their test is fair – we set up experiments so that everything is exactly the same except for the one thing we’re testing. They totally get it when you explain it’s about being fair.

We talked about what might make the rocket go the furthest, and decided to test stomping on the rocket at a run versus from just standing and stomping. You could also test a different variable:

• Foot position on the air pump
• Adding a small weight to the rocket
• Grownup vs child jumper
• Wind direction relative to launch position

Of course, you could also use a kids’ DIY rocket, and test features of its design or launch method.

Materials needed

To do this activity, you’ll need the following items:

• Stomp Rockets or other child-launched rocket
• Tape measure
• Recording sheet (click on the button below to download your Recording Sheet)
• Pencil
• Clipboard

Instructions

Whether your child is more interested in the story or the activity, there are plenty of fun ways for kids to learn about Mars, space travel, and the scientific method.

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Heather can be found on Rainy Day Mum creating a Mars Robot and Painting the Ocean

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More Coding and STEM Activities for Kids

• Code a Message and dance like a bee
• Coding the Moon
• STEAM Paper Airplane Experiment
• STEM Bell Key Chain Coding

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