Jetpack Craft for Kids: Blast Off Into Space Learning

There’s nothing quite like space to capture a child’s imagination. Planets, stars, astronauts, rockets—it’s a universe full of wonder! And what better way to bring that excitement to life than with a Jetpack Craft?

This activity is one of the most fun crafts of the school year. If your students (or kids at home) are learning about space, strapping on their very own homemade jetpack makes the lesson unforgettable. With just a few recycled materials, children can imagine themselves flying off into space like real astronauts.

✂️ Materials You’ll Need

• 2 empty 2-liter soda bottles (same size)

• Aluminum foil (for shiny “metal tanks”)

• Cardboard (for the base)

• Black felt (to cover the base)

• Black elastic (for straps)

• Needle and thread (or hot glue, if sewing isn’t an option)

• Duct tape (silver works best)

• Crepe paper (red, orange, yellow for “flames”)

• Glue and scissors

📸 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Base

Cut a rectangle from sturdy cardboard. This will be the foundation of your jetpack.

Step 2: Prepare the Felt and Straps

Sew the black elastic straps onto the black felt, just like backpack straps.

• If you have a sewing machine, it’s quick and sturdy.

• If not, you can hand stitch the straps with needle and thread.

• For a no-sew option, you can also use hot glue, though stitching is stronger.

Step 3: Attach Felt to the Base

Glue the stitched black felt onto the cardboard base, covering it neatly. Now you have a strong and wearable backing for the jetpack.

Step 4: Cover the Bottles

Wrap each soda bottle in aluminum foil until smooth and shiny. These will become the jetpack’s fuel tanks.

Step 5: Add the Flames

Cut out flames from crepe paper. Cut the bottoms at an angle and make them differing lengths to give a flow to the flames. Using duct tape,  tape them inside the flames around the outside of bottles so it looks like fire blasting out.

Step 6: Attach the Bottles

Glue or tape the foil-covered bottles onto the felt-covered base, with the necks pointing downward.

🌌 Learning Connections

This craft is more than just fun dress-up—it reinforces concepts kids are already learning in their space studies:

• Imaginative play: Role-playing as astronauts will make space learning feel real.

• STEM tie-in: Talk about fuel, propulsion, and why astronauts don’t really use jetpacks like this in space.

• Learn about astronauts- how they practice in the NASA pool for zero-gravity, how they have to sleep strapped to the walls of the space shuttle so they don't float away, how they don't get to take a bath because the water wouldn't stay in place- they use wet wipes to stay clean, how they have to exercise 2 hours a day so their muscles don't weaken because of zero gravity, etc.

• Fine motor skills: Cutting, sewing, gluing, and assembling all build coordination.

🌟 Extension Ideas

• Space Parade: Let kids wear their jetpacks for a class “mission” around the playground.

• Writing Prompt: Ask students to write about where their jetpack would take them in space.

• Art Integration: Have them design astronaut badges or helmets to go with their jetpacks.

✨ Final Thoughts

The Jetpack Craft is guaranteed to bring joy and energy to your space unit. With a few recycled supplies, a little foil, and some creative touches, kids can imagine blasting off on their own adventure among the stars. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most powerful learning moments come from mixing creativity with curriculum.

💡 Don’t forget to snap photos—kids love seeing themselves as astronauts!

👉 Save this idea on Pinterest so you’ll have it ready for your next homeschool lesson or rainy-day project!

For more craft ideas, thematic video lessons for children ages 3-7 about the Ocean, Space, Forests, Polar Habitats, the Desert, Rainforest, African Savanna- and also with stellar phonics and reading instruction- go to https://www.missannasclass.com/.