Mass STEM Week 2026: Rockets and Space Science Night

New England Sci-Tech holds free public STEM events in conjunction with Massachusetts STEM Week. This year is a celebration of Moon and Mars observation and exploration. We want to encourage people to learn more about STEM in space science, to share Moon or Mars-inspired stories and artwork, and to continue observing the sky and the world around us.

Program is for children in grades 1-6 with accompanying parent to help with paper rocket building and launching.

This year, 2026, Mass STEM Week falls on Mon-Fri, October 19-23. Join us on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evening for a 1.5-hour fun event.  

Children will build and launch an air-powered paper rocket, hold a meteorite from the Moon and a meteorite from Mars, and see a Space Science 3D Show using 3D glasses.

Children can bring a homemade space artwork to show and are encouraged to wear space-themed shirts or costumes.

There will be take-home goodie bags for all participating children.

The 1st Quarter Moon will be up on Oct 20-22, so we may use the giant telescope to observe it, weather permitting.

Schedule and Sign Up Links

Registration required. Supplies are limited to registered participants. No walk-ins permitted.

Program is for children in grades 1-6 with accompanying parent to help with paper rocket building and launching.

No additional siblings below grade 3 are allowed in the facility.

• TUE, October 20, 5:30-7:00 PM - Paper Rocket Building/Launching, Touch a rock from the Moon, see a Space Science 3D Show. (First Quarter Moon is up)
• WED, October 21, 5:30-7:00 PM - Paper Rocket Building/Launching, Touch a rock from the Moon, see a Space Science 3D Show. (First Quarter Moon is up)
• THU, October 22, 5:30-7:00 PM - Paper Rocket Building/Launching, Touch a rock from the Moon, see a Space Science 3D Show (First Quarter Moon is up)

Goals of Rockets and Space Science Night:

1. Provide information, a platform, and resources in order to:

   • Raise awareness of NASA’s lunar science and exploration programs.

   • Empower children to learn about Rocketry, the Moon, Mars, and space exploration.

   • Facilitate sharing of Moon or Mars-inspired stories, images, artwork, and more.

   • Inspire continued observation of the Moon, Mars, the sky, and the world around us. 

2. Spark interest in STEM with Hands-on activities:

   • Build and launch an air-powered paper rocket while learning about rockets and propulsion. 

   • Hold a rock from the Moon and Mars and learn about meteorites. 
     

   • Share your own artwork of Mars or Moon to help inspire other students. 

   • Use 3D glasses to watch a 3D space show to inspire students to learn more about space science.

Massachusetts STEM Week will take place from October 19–23 and is a statewide collaborative effort organized by the Executive Office of Education and the STEM Advisory Council in partnership with the state’s nine Regional STEM Networks, like MSEN, which plan and coordinate activities with local school communities, community leaders, and business partners.