Free Hands-On Space Adventure: the Space Agency Starter Pack HAS LAUNCHED
Hey fellow space enthusiasts, parents, teachers, and curious explorers! We’re excited to announce the release of the Space Agency Starter Pack, a completely free resource that transforms any classroom or home into a buzzing mission control center for young rocket scientists.
If you've ever watched a rocket roar to life and wished you could share that awe with kids in a way that's hands-on, deeply educational, and seriously fun—this pack is exactly what you've been looking for. It combines engaging stories, real physics explained clearly, thoughtful discussion questions, and a simplified tabletop simulation where students design rockets, manage budgets, and tackle daring missions… all while truly understanding Newton's laws, conservation of momentum, and the crucial role of delta v.
How the Pack Came Together
The journey began with one goal: make authentic rocket science approachable without watering it down. It all started with delightful stories like From Rocks to Rockets, where young Ed accidentally discovers propulsion by tossing rocks from his boat—a perfect, relatable entry point to Newton's three laws.
From there, we built layers of depth:
A lighthearted crash course for elementary students
A historical journey featuring pioneers like Tsiolkovsky for middle school and up
A step-by-step technical walkthrough including the real rocket equation
Reading is great, but kids learn best by doing. That's why the core of the pack is a custom simulation inspired by outstanding tabletop games like Leaving Earth (the thoughtful 1956–1976 Space Race experience). We streamlined the rules to spotlight the essential engineering decisions—cost vs. power, mass vs. impulse, the magic of staging—while preserving all the excitement of competition or teamwork.
Development was a multi-stage rocket itself:
Began with the leveled reading booklets and comprehension questions (complete with a full educator answer key).
Added practical bridges like the impulse rule for fast mission feasibility checks.
Created the agency simulation: $25B yearly budgets, rocket design formulas, staging mechanics, and delta v tracking.
Included a ready-to-run Artemis II-inspired lunar fly-by mission tied to current events.
Provided crafting instructions for blueprints, play money, and agency mats—because tangible pieces make everything more real.
What's Included in the Pack?
Two reading levels: Cadet (elementary) and Explorer (middle school+).
Layered comprehension questions from recall to deep insight (plus educator answer key).
Complete simulation rules with accessible yet challenging rocket math.
Ready-to-play missions, starting with the Artemis II lunar fly-by.
Guide to creating unlimited custom missions.
Hands-on materials suggestions—blue construction-paper blueprints, index-card boosters, and more.
Perfect for homeschooling one child, guiding a full classroom, or leading an after-school club. Play solo for thoughtful planning, cooperatively for teamwork, or competitively for Space Race drama.
Ready for Liftoff?
The Space Agency Starter Pack is 100% free and available to download now (with more modules to come!) Print the pages, grab some basic craft supplies, and watch your young directors light up as they experience the same breakthroughs that took humanity to the Moon.
Tried it already? Drop your agency's name, coolest rocket design, or favorite mission moment in the comments—We'd love to hear your launch stories!
Clear skies and perfect orbits,
The Sol Academy Design Team
