Rocket Challenge
Phase 2, Year 5–6
Term 2
Give young Kiwis an out-of-this-world STEM learning experience as they design, build and launch water rockets.
✓ Available in te reo Māori
✓ Free for schools
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Newton’s laws of motion
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Rocketry
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Teamwork
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Physics concepts
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Engineering design process
What is the Rocket Challenge?
I wonder how rockets fly?
Step into the role of Mission Command and support ākonga as they design and build their own water rockets. While exploring Newton’s Laws, the engineering design process, and working as a rōpū, ākonga will iterate and improve their creations, then put them to test in the ultimate rocket launch.
How it works
1
Explore and build
Explore the Rocket Challenge and build scaffolded STEM knowledge
2
Create rockets
Design, create, test and improve water rockets.
3
Blast off!
Put designs to the ultimate test by launching rockets.
What's included
Free challenge kit
Hands-on STEM kit with all the resources you need to have a blast.
Structured learning programme
Scaffolded learning that's accessible for all learners.
Online Learning Hub
Access to a Learning Hub with all learning content, ākonga activities and videos.
Wonder Project Ambassador
In-person industry ambassador to support your class, where available.
Challenge guide
Detailed challenge guide with lesson sequences, activity notes and information on key concepts.
Teacher support
A dedicated support team to help you confidently deliver the programme.
Learning and curriculum support
The Rocket Challenge provides scaffolded learning aligned to Phase 2 of the New Zealand school curriculum. The primary curriculum area focus is Motion and Forces, with cross-curricular links to Phase 2 Mathematics, Technology and Science.
Kaiako can make wider links to other curriculum areas depending on ākonga level and individual learning programmes.
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Teamwork
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Communication
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Creativity
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Problem-solving
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Analysis
Fitting the Rocket Challenge into your classroom
The challenge takes around 12–16 hours to complete across 6–8 weeks, or longer if required. You can also complete it in a condensed timeframe.
It’s designed to slot seamlessly into your term plan, with the flexibility to extend or adapt the learning to work for your class.
Real-world STEM support
Bringing the magic to our challenges is our nationwide community of industry volunteers. They join classrooms as Wonder Project Ambassadors for at least three sessions across the term.
While the kaiako leads the learning, their role is to:
- share their STEM knowledge and career experiences,
- support the kaiako and class during activities,
- showcase the incredible range of STEM professionals and careers,
- and help ākonga believe they can be anything they set their mind to.
Ambassador matching depends on location and availability of volunteers.
Interested in supporting a class?
Get your organisation involved
Your organisation can help bring STEM wonder to life in the Rocket Challenge by:
- Encouraging employees to become ambassadors
- Supporting staff development and engagement
- Connecting with schools and communities
- Partnering with the Wonder Project
Why take part?
Fun, hands-on STEM learning
that lifts confidence.
Ready-to-use resources
and support.
Real-world problem-solving
and engineering.
Connections
between schools and STEM professionals.
Business opportunities
to engage employees and support future talent.
Evidence on impact
4,700 classes reached, 138,000 ākonga. Here’s what they said about the Rocket Challenge.
99% ākonga
were interested in a STEM career afterwards.
100% kaiako
had a great experience.
99% ambassadors
would participate again.
Isabel
School name
I didn’t think STEM was fun at first but when I did the Rocket Challenge, it was really enjoyable.
Lisa Hill
Avon School
I have not seen our ākonga so engaged and exited in their learning.
Nicky Shaw
Index Engineering
The kids that we meet and inspire during activities like the Rocket Challenge are our future engineers.
STEM Perceptions lift off at Pukerua Bay school
TEST CONTENT: “I didn’t think STEM was fun at first but when I did the Wonder Project, it was really enjoyable” – Isabel, wonder ākonga.
“I am interested in a STEM job now. Something that involves building things like we did in the challenge” – Ally, wonder ākonga.
Having had their confidence and perceptions lifted at this critical age, Pukerua Bay School ākonga are much less likely to feel they’re not smart enough for STEM subjects, or that STEM careers are boring. And this impact is universal, with 94% of all teachers reporting a positive shift in their students’ STEM perceptions after the Rocket Challenge.
What you need to know
Who can take part
Who can take part
- All kaiako in Aotearoa with ākonga at Phase 2 of the curriculum can join the Rocket Challenge.
- We require homeschools to have at least 20 ākonga at Year 5-6 to qualify for a funded kit.
- All STEM professionals and retirees, final-year tertiary STEM students and STEM graduates can be a Wonder Project Ambassador.
- Kits are also available to purchase on our online shop.
The registration process
The registration process
- May, year prior: Registrations open
- March: Kaiako challenge spots are confirmed and resources are sent
- March-April: Ambassador matching process runs
- April: All unmatched kaiako and ambassadors are notified
- April: Challenge runs
What we provide
What we provide
- rocket kit
- online learning hub
- ākonga activities and videos
- challenge guide
- training and support
- curriculum guidance
- volunteer ambassador, where available (ambassador availability depends on registration numbers and location)
What schools need to supply
What schools need to supply
- bike pump
- 1.5L soda bottles
- measuring cups
- classroom resources including pens, scissors and cardboard
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Term 2
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Year 5–6
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Free
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12–16 hours
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Across 6–8 weeks
Looking for the Learning Hub?
Rocket Challenge learning materials can be accessed through a unique link we send to all participating teachers and ambassadors.
FAQs
Can more than one class register?
Can more than one class register?
You can register as many classes as you’d like! We ask that each participating kaiako registers separately so we can assign enough resources and find ambassador matches.
How many ākonga can take part?
How many ākonga can take part?
The kit is designed to support a class of up to 35 ākonga. If your class is larger than this, another teacher will need to register so we can accurately assign resources (eg for syndicates or multi-learning environments).
Does every class receive an ambassador?
Does every class receive an ambassador?
Our aim is to match as many schools as possible that have requested an ambassador. However, this depends on how many ambassadors have registered, and their location.
If we can’t find you a match, we’ll provide you with the resources and support you’ll need to feel confident and have a blast. Plus, we’re here to support you via phone, email and our Facebook page @WonderProjectNZ.
Does the ambassador teach the programme?
Does the ambassador teach the programme?
No, the kaiako teaches the programme. The ambassador’s role is to support the learning with their knowledge and passion for STEM.
Can we participate without an ambassador?
Can we participate without an ambassador?
Yes! You can let us know whether you’d value having an ambassador when you register.
Many kaiako successfully run our challenges without an ambassador. We’ll provide you with the resources and support you’ll need to feel confident and have a blast. Plus, we’re here to support you via phone, email and our Facebook page @WonderProjectNZ.
Ready to take part?
Kaiako and Wonder Project Ambassadors can register now for an out-of-this-world STEM learning experience launching rockets.