Rocket Ship Activity and “Rocket Science for Babies” Review

by Ashley Beecher

Don’t let the title fool you: the concepts are simplified so that even the youngest listeners can understand, but what kid wouldn’t want to know what makes a rocket ship work? Your little ones (and maybe bigger ones) can learn step by step how the concepts of lift and thrust power a rocket ship to the moon.

I found this book at a store and refused to leave without buying it for my kids. I’ve got one that LOVES learning about how things work, but both my children have loved on this book (that’s why the cover is bent and the spine is taped) so much that we got an entire set of science books “for babies” by Chris Ferrie.

When you think about reading to kids, you often think of picture books or maybe short chapters books, but who thinks to pick up non-fiction? Well, this book combines science learning with things kids love: a ball, rocket ships, and explosions (of course). It’s a quick read for any kid that might not want to sit still for a longer story and it empowers kids to learn and reach for their dreams (because being a rocket scientist sounds pretty awesome, even to an adult).

To buy this book on Amazon, click here.

But wait, there’s more! Now, your child can be a rocket scientist by building their own rocket ship. After you read the book, you can do this fun craft with them to put their new knowledge into practice. While you help your child assemble their own rocket ship, ask them questions. For example: What do you think a rocket ship sounds like? Do you want to fly your rocket ship to the moon or somewhere else? Where? Where does the fuel go on your rocket? Which direction will it fly when the fuel explodes?

Supplies:

Cardboard toilet paper roll, paper, crayons or colored pencils to decorate rocket, glue or tape to put rocket together, For older children: rubber bands

Directions:

1. Color and cut out all the pieces for the rocket ship (circle for the nose, rectangle to cover the plain toilet paper roll, and fins or “wings”). And yes, you DO cut a line into your circle to make the cone.
2. Tape or glue the rectangle around the toilet paper roll.
3. Tape or glue the four fins to the bottom of the rocket ship. You can mark the bottom of the rocket to make sure they are evenly spaced, or eyeball it.
4. Tape or glue the wedge-shaped piece into a cone for the nose of the rocket by pulling the cut edge across to the dotted line. Then attach it to the top of the rocket ship. (If you’ve used glue, you’ll want to give it time to dry. Hint: If you’re using tape to attach the cone to the top of the toilet paper roll, put your tape on the inside of the roll with the sticky side facing out. Then place your cone on top and stick the eraser side of a pencil inside the roll to make sure the tape adheres to the cone.)

Different Variations:

• For younger children: Play with your rocket ship!
• For older children: Can you use the rubber bands to create lift and thrust that will make your rocket ship fly?