Kelly Pilots Launch Baking Soda Rockets
Kelly Elementary School, in partnership with the Department of Black Student Achievement, ARM & HAMMER™, and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, launched students into a day of discovery and innovation as they participated in ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda Rocket Day.
This national initiative aimed to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators through hands-on learning.
In preparation for the big day, students underwent "Rocketeer" training throughout the week, mastering the basics of rocket design, trajectory planning, and launch engineering. This immersive experience was part of a larger effort to make STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning fun and accessible to young learners.
Then, students at Kelly joined more than 250 schools nationwide in an exciting attempt to break the world record for the most baking soda rockets launched in a single day. Among those participating were 25 African American students from 2nd to 5th grade, who eagerly built and launched their own rockets.
The purpose of Baking Soda Rocket Day extended beyond the excitement of rocket launching. The event was designed to ignite a passion for STEAM subjects, particularly among African American students, fostering an interest in fields where diversity is often underrepresented. The hands-on activities encouraged students to think critically, solve problems, work in teams, and unleash their creativity, all while learning the principles of rocket science.
"Events like this show students that the sky isn't the limit—it’s just the beginning," said Dr. Knox, Director of the Department of Black Student Achievement. "We want our students to see themselves as future engineers, scientists, and innovators, and to understand that their potential is limitless."
Baking Soda Rocket Day not only brought science to life but also opened the door to future opportunities, showing young minds that STEAM careers are within their reach. Through this event, Kelly Elementary and its partners are helping break down barriers and build a more inclusive future in the fields of science and technology.