STEM ROCKET LAUNCH PROGRAM
Craft Lake City’s Rocket Launch Program is a free, hands-on STEM experience for youth and families that makes science fun, creative and accessible through water bottle rocket building and launches.
how it works
- Build and launch rockets with guidance from Craft Lake City
- Explore STEM concepts like Newton’s Laws through fun, hands-on learning
- Test, tweak, and try again to improve your design
- Free at public events, with private and corporate bookings available
About the Program
Science that’s fun, creative and for everyone.
Participants design, build and launch rockets while exploring basic physics concepts through guided demos and open-ended experimentation. Youth are encouraged to test ideas, redesign, and learn through play.
What participants learn
Newton’s Laws of Motion
Participants experience Newton’s Laws firsthand rather than just hearing about them.
First Law (Inertia): Before launch, the rocket sits still until force is applied. Youth see that objects remain at rest until acted upon.
Second Law (Force & Acceleration): Air pressure inside the bottle creates thrust. More pressure changes height and speed, helping participants understand the relationship between force and motion.
Third Law (Action & Reaction): When air and water are forced downward, the rocket shoots upward. This visible cause-and-effect moment makes the law instantly understandable.
Design Choices & Outcomes
Each rocket becomes a small experiment.
Participants:
Make decisions about structure, balance and water levels
Predict how their choices will impact height and flight distance
Launch and observe the results
Adjust their design to improve performance
Through repeated testing, youth see how small changes can lead to different outcomes, reinforcing the connection between thoughtful design and real-world results.
Creative Collaboration
Participants design and build their own rockets using simple craft supplies, with each creation reflecting their individual ideas and creativity.
Participants:
- Choose how much water to add and predict how high it will go
- Launch, observe and make adjustments
- Test new ideas to improve height and distance
- Share discoveries and learn from others
The experience encourages experimentation, teamwork and learning through iteration.
Confidence & Curiosity
Launching a rocket transforms science into something hands-on and exciting.
Participants:
- Take ownership of their design from build to launch
- Experience the thrill of seeing their ideas take flight
- Gain confidence by testing, adjusting and trying again
- Ask new questions about how to make it go higher or fly better
The experience turns STEM into something active, accessible and empowering, helping youth see themselves as capable problem-solvers and creators.
Who It's For
Participants: Youth and families of all backgrounds and skill levels
- Libraries looking for engaging free STEM programming
- Schools & districts seeking curriculum-aligned experiential learning
- Cities & community orgs wanting to activate public spaces with STEM
- Corporate partners interested in private STEM event bookings
Get Involved
Bring our GFiber Rocket Launch Program to your community! We offer public events and can be hired for private or corporate STEM events.
Contact us: stem@craftlakecity.com
(801) 906-8521
Or submit an interest form