She Went to Space! You Can Build a Rocket TOO!

Fun STEM Activities for Kids: Celebrating Black History Month!
This February, we’re spotlighting amazing Black inventors like Mae Jemison, the first Black woman astronaut.

Mae Jemison dreamed of exploring space ever since she was a little girl staring up at the stars. She didn’t just dream—she made it happen! Mae became an aerospace engineer, a medical doctor, and in 1992, the first Black woman astronaut to travel to space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. She proved that the sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning!

Mae’s journey reminds us all to aim high and work hard to achieve our dreams. Now, let’s explore the science of rockets just like Mae Jemison!

STEM Activity: Build a Balloon Rocket

Get ready to launch your imagination with this fun and simple experiment!

• Materials: Balloon, string, straw, tape, and a paperclip.
• Instructions:
1. Tie a long piece of string between two objects, like chairs or doorknobs.
2. Thread a straw onto the string—it will be your rocket’s “track.”
3. Blow up a balloon (don’t tie it off!) and tape it to the straw.
4. Let the balloon go and watch it zoom along the string like a rocket!

How This Uses STEM:

• Science: Discover how air pressure and thrust create motion.
• Engineering: Design a balloon rocket that travels the farthest or fastest.
• Technology: Learn how engineers test and improve real rockets.
• Math: Measure the distance and speed of your rocket and compare designs.

Dream Big, Just Like Mae
Mae Jemison’s story is proof that with curiosity, determination, and education, we can accomplish extraordinary things. What’s your big dream?