🚀 Blast Off into Learning: Explore Our Space Rocket 3D Model & Play Dough Stencil!
- Fun House Toys
- Jun 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 2
Calling all future astronauts! Whether your child is obsessed with rockets, loves STEM activities, or is just beginning to explore outer space, our 3D Space Rocket Model and Play Dough Stencil Kit are the perfect tools for hands-on learning and imaginative play.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the parts of a real space shuttle, how your child can build their own model using our kits, and how to make the experience educational, interactive, and totally out of this world.
A Sustainable Learning Experience
Unlike our previous printable crafts, this model is part of our new Science Craft Collection. It is made from sustainable, non-toxic PLA material. These models are durable, display-ready, and perfect for homeschool, classroom settings, or weekend science fun at home.
And yes—while this version is a ready-to-go physical product available in our shop, we still include a free black-and-white worksheet version at the end of this post. This allows your little learners to color, cut, and label on paper too!
🚀 Rocket Parts Explained
Both the 3D Puzzle Model and the Stencil Kit feature four essential components of a real-life space shuttle:
1. Orbiter
This is the main spacecraft where astronauts live and work. It includes the cockpit and cargo bay. In our model, the orbiter is the largest piece and serves as the central part of the rocket.
2. External Tank
The big orange tank you often see in shuttle launches. It holds the fuel that powers the main engines during liftoff. It detaches once empty.
3. Solid Rocket Boosters
Two tall white boosters help the shuttle launch into space by providing the extra thrust needed to escape Earth's gravity. They detach about two minutes after launch.
4. Main Engines
These powerful engines are located at the back of the orbiter and work with the external tank to propel the shuttle into orbit.
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We have a shortlist of favorite science crafts like Layers of Atmosphere, Inner Earth Layers, Anatomy of a Volcano, and Layer of the Ocean. This activity is sure to become a new favorite. It comes together fast and is packed with educational insight.
It’s great for:
Visual learners who love building and seeing how things fit together.
Kids studying human anatomy, body systems, or nervous system basics.
Homeschoolers and teachers needing hands-on activities for science units.
Gifted kids who enjoy tactile puzzles with an educational twist.
Step by Step Instruction for the 3D Puzzle Model
Materials Needed: Just your hands and your curiosity!
Unpack all pieces from the kit.
Identify each part – orbiter, external tank, boosters, and engine – using the included reference image.
Snap pieces together gently, starting with the rocket booster onto the back stand, then attach the external tank and orbiter then the main engine.
Secure it on the display stand included in the kit.
Display and discuss the different parts with your child!
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🎨 Using the Play Dough Stencil Kit
The Space Shuttle Stencil Kit comes with individual outlines for each rocket part:
Use play dough or modeling clay to fill each stencil.
Once the shapes are formed, layer and arrange them in the correct shuttle layout.
Use the included labels or make your own for an extra learning boost!
Great for fine motor skill development and sensory play!
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🧠 Real-World Connection & Fun Facts
🚀 NASA’s space shuttle could launch like a rocket and land like a plane!
🔥 The rocket boosters burn over 1,000,000 pounds of solid fuel in just two minutes.
🛰 The shuttle helped build the International Space Station.
👩🚀 There are over 500 people who’ve traveled to space—many started with a love for rockets and space!
💬 Questions Parents Can Ask to Spark Curiosity
“Which part of the rocket holds the astronauts?”
“Why do you think the boosters fall off after launch?”
“Where does the rocket fuel go?”
“If you could ride in the orbiter, what would you bring?”
These questions help develop critical thinking and storytelling skills, especially when kids use their model for pretend play.
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💡 Tips for Parents & Teachers: Make It Interactive!
✔️ Turn it into a mission: Assign kids to be engineers, astronauts, or mission control.
✔️ Watch a real rocket launch video together and match the parts from your model.
✔️ Use the stencil kit with themed units on gravity, planets, or space history.
✔️ Display the finished rocket on a science shelf or classroom bulletin board.
✔️ Add extension lessons – explore topics like:
How rockets overcome gravity
Life in zero gravity
Space exploration history
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Try These Science Crafts
All of these crafts can be made with no prep to make your activity planning even easier!
Layers of Atmosphere - Layers of the Earth Space
Inner Earth Layers - Layers of the Earth Inner Core
Anatomy of a Volcano - Let's Make A Volcano that is Fun & Educational
Milky Way Spiral - Journey through our Galaxy
♻️ Built for the Planet and Built to Last
All of our 3D science models are crafted using PLA, a material derived from plants like corn. That means they’re:
Non-toxic
Biodegradable
Safe for kids
Eco-friendly
Just like every item in our shop, the Rocket Model is designed, hand-drawn, and printed by our family-owned team right here in Georgia, USA. We love creating tools that make science more accessible—and fun!
Not ready to commit to the 3D version just yet? We’ve got you covered! Scroll to the bottom of this post to download a FREE black-and-white worksheet version of the Brain Puzzle. It’s perfect for coloring, cutting, and reviewing anatomy through paper-based fun.
🚀 Final Lift-Off
Our goal is to make space learning exciting, engaging, and hands-on. With this rocket puzzle and stencil combo, your child can build, learn, and imagine their place among the stars.
✨ Ready to launch learning into a whole new orbit? Grab your Space Rocket Puzzle or Stencil Kit today and let the discoveries begin!
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