Rocket Launch Challenge – Kids STEAM & Maker Workshop

Engaging Kids’ Art Workshops for Libraries & Vacation Care Programs

Age Group: 5–12 years
Duration: 1 hour (+ 30 min setup/clean-up)
Group Size: Up to 15 students per session (contact us for larger groups – options available)
Materials: All supplied
Room Requirements: Chairs and tables, access to toilets, bins supplied
Suitable For: Library sessions, Vacation Care programs
Availability: Book now for Spring 2026 & Summer 2026–7 school holidays
Pricing: Per group, not per child

Workshop Overview

Design, build and launch your own mini rocket in this exciting hands-on STEAM challenge!

In this fun and energetic workshop, children create their own foam rocket using a range of decorative materials before testing their rocket in a safe and playful launch challenge.

Participants experiment with rocket design, aim for targets, and discover how small design choices can change how their rocket flies. The activity encourages imagination, experimentation and friendly teamwork.

Rocket Launch Challenge combines creativity, engineering and playful competition while helping children develop confidence, problem-solving skills and collaborative learning.

This hands-on maker workshop is part of our Library & Vacation Care Art Workshops program, designed for libraries and vacation care venues across Western Sydney, The Hills District, Penrith and the Blue Mountains.

Creative & Learning Outcomes

Creative
• Design and decorate a unique rocket

Literature
• Imagine rocket adventures, space missions or alien discoveries

STEAM / Maker Art
• Build and test rocket designs while exploring simple engineering concepts

Social Connections
• Work together, share ideas and participate in friendly launch challenges

Wellbeing
• Build confidence, resilience and problem-solving skills through play

Materials & Setup

All materials are provided, including:

• Foam pool noodles for rocket bodies
• Card fins and nose cones
• Paper, stickers and markers for decoration
• Streamers for rocket “fire” effects
• Pre-printed target sheets for launch challenges

Children design and assemble their rocket before testing it in a safe launch activity.

Room setup required: Chairs and tables, access to toilets, bins supplied.

Activity Outline

Step 1 – Design & Decorate
Children assemble their foam rocket and decorate it using colours, patterns and imaginative designs.

Step 2 – Build & Engineer
Participants attach fins, nose cones and decorations while learning how different design choices might affect their rocket.

Step 3 – Rocket Launch Challenge
Kids take turns launching their rockets toward targets in a fun and safe challenge.

Step 4 – Share & Celebrate
Children share their designs, celebrate creative ideas and discuss which rockets flew the furthest or most accurately.

Why Libraries & Vacation Care Programs Love This Workshop

• Combines creativity, engineering and active play
• Perfect for STEAM-themed library and vacation care programs
• Encourages experimentation and problem-solving
• All materials supplied – easy for organisers
• Fun, interactive and confidence-building for kids
• Supports creativity, teamwork and active learning

Location & Availability

Workshops are available for libraries and vacation care programs across Western Sydney, The Hills District, Penrith, the Blue Mountains and surrounding NSW regions.

If you’re located outside these areas, please get in touch — Elaine is always happy to discuss options where possible.

Elaine travels to your library or vacation care venue and delivers all workshops on-site. Multiple sessions can be scheduled on the same day, subject to availability.

Meet the Art facilitator – Elaine Butler

Elaine Butler is a kids book author, illustrator and arts educator.

With over 30 years of experience in arts education, Elaine brings a unique blend of creativity, storytelling and visual arts to every workshop.

Her programs offer an engaging, hands-on approach that nurtures imagination, creative confidence and wellbeing. Through her artwork, books and creative wellness philosophy, Elaine inspires children to explore, create and discover their own artistic voice.

Why Work With Elaine?

Elaine brings warmth, creativity and over 30 years of arts education experience to every session. Her workshops offer meaningful, calm and imaginative learning experiences that children enjoy and remember.

What venues love:

✔️ Over 30 years experience as a visual arts educator
✔️ Engaging, calm and inclusive teaching style
✔️ Strong group management and smooth session flow
✔️ Hands-on activities that boost creativity and confidence
✔️ Creative wellbeing woven into each workshop
✔️ No-prep, low-stress experience for libraries and vacation care venues
✔️ Professional-quality artwork outcomes students are proud of
✔️ Sessions that support wellbeing, focus and self-expression

Hands-on learning. Real creativity. Real art. Real collaboration.

Enquire or Book

If you’d like to discuss availability, session options, or how this workshop can fit into your venue’s program, please get in touch.

We are currently taking bookings for Spring 2026 and the Summer 2026–7 school holidays.

👉 Enquire or book using the online form

☎️ Or contact us to discuss dates and options.

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