Changing the shape of a rocket’s nose cone, fuselage, and fins can change the way a rocket flies.

In this activity, you’ll think like scientists and engineers as you design, make and test paper rockets.

S.C.R.A.P. can be completed as an at-home activity or a classroom activity.

The S.C.R.A.P. Student Guides are included to assist teachers with classroom delivery. The Student Guides provide structure for questioning, planning, testing, analysing, and evaluating.

  • Level 1 is recommended for Years 3 and 4
  • Level 2 is recommended for Years 5 and 6
  • Level 3 is recommended for Years 7 and 8

Latest from the Australian space sector

Anna Riddell Supervising maintenance of the 26 m radio telescope at the Mt Pleasant Observatory, Hobart. Credit: Lucia McCallum, University of Tasmania

Space Talk: Anna Riddell

NEWS • People in the sector

9 October 2026

To mark Earth Science Week 2026, Anna shares in this feature how looking to space helps us better understand, protect and navigate the place we call home.

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Katherine Bennell-Pegg with students at Charlesville

Aussie astronaut’s outreach program inspires thousands across the nation

NEWS • Inspiring Australia

8 October 2026

Since March, the 2026 Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg has been touring states and territories, empowering students and communities, and promoting Australia's space sector.

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Next evolution of Roo-ver – Australia’s first lunar rover

Australia’s Moonshot: New Roo-ver model unveiled

NEWS • National capability

7 October 2026

To mark World Space Week, the next evolution of Australia’s first lunar rover was unveiled today. Roo-ver is set to make history when it goes to the Moon with NASA in 2030.

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A group photo of the NISA 2026 cohort that will travel NASA along with industry partners

National Indigenous Space Academy 2026: Expanding talent and access to the global space sector

NEWS • Inspiring Australia

2 October 2026

Eight First Nations STEM scholars will participate in the 10-week overseas space education program, led by Monash University with support from the Australian Space Agency.

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NASA astronaut and Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman peers out of one of the Orion spacecraft's main cabin windows, looking back at Earth, as the crew travels towards the Moon.  Image Credit: NASA

The latest from Aussie space

NEWS • National capability

1 October 2026

Here’s a recap of some of the key developments and capabilities from September that are shaping Australia’s space industry.

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a new Roo-ver prototype that is Developed by the ELO2 consortium in partnership with the Australian Space Agency is being tested at Adelaide University's EXTERRES CRATER Facility

Roo-ver Research: Adelaide University

NEWS • Industry showcase: Space spotlight

29 September 2026

An institute named after one Australian space trailblazer is helping prepare another to roll smoothly across the surface of the Moon.

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Our department recognises the First Peoples of this Nation and their ongoing cultural and spiritual connections to the lands, waters, seas, skies, and communities.

We Acknowledge First Nations Peoples as the Traditional Custodians and Lore Keepers of the oldest living culture and pay respects to their Elders past and present. We extend that respect to all First Nations Peoples.