100 years ago Robert Goddard launched the first rocket that used liquid fuel instead of solid fuel. 

Check out these activities all about rockets to celebrate that anniversary. 

A whimsical illustration of four children in spacesuits driving along a foreign planet.

Story Time Video: Rockets and Rovers

Inside their rocket playground, a group of friends blast off in their imaginations. 

Ages:  4+ | Time: 6 min story, 4 min craft

The shape of a rocket composed of brightly colored construction paper shapes laid out against a black background.

Build a Construction Paper Rocket

Turn basic shapes into a rocket.

Ages: 6+ | Time: 30 min | Screen Free

 

A red balloon taped to a straw zooms along a string when the air is let out the back.

Balloon Rockets

Build a balloon rocket to explore rocket propulsion—the force that pushes rockets forward!

Ages: 9+ | Time: 20 mins | Screen Free

Informal pose of Dr. Robert H. Goddard sitting in front of unidentified rocket under construction in his workshop at Roswell, New Mexico, 1935.

Liquid Fuel Helped Rockets Fly Higher and Faster

  • Robert Goddard launched the first rocket that used liquid fuel as propellant instead of solid fuel.
  • A liquid fuel rocket was an important discovery because it let scientists control rockets better and helped them fly higher and faster.
  • Goddard's designs inspired later engineers — including the scientists who built the powerful rockets that eventually took humans to the Moon.
A large metal dome-like structure, as seen from underneath it, hangs from the ceiling. A mirror is used to create the illusion that there are four of these structures hanging.

Want More Activities?

More Rocket Activities

Soar Together is made possible by the generous support of the Northrop Grumman Foundation.