What age groups is the Launch Lab suitable for?

The lab is designed primarily for middle and high school students eager to dig into STEM concepts.

Do participants get to launch rockets they build?

Yes, building and launching rockets is a core component—students test their designs live during the session.

Is prior science knowledge required?

No prior knowledge is necessary; the program teaches propulsion and Newton’s laws in an easy-to-understand way.

Where is the Launch Lab held?

At 2201 North Gemini Drive Suite 136 in Flagstaff, Arizona, close to the Meteor Crater site.

Are sessions open to individuals or only groups?

While tailored to groups up to 30 students, individual bookings may be available during public science events.

Can visitors combine the lab with a Meteor Crater tour?

Absolutely; many visitors schedule a lab session alongside a visit to the nearby Meteor Crater for a full-day science experience.

STEM Rocket Labs at Meteor Crater Education Alliance

Flagstaff, Arizona, is better known for its stunning red rock landscapes and proximity to the iconic Meteor Crater, but it also plays host to a unique educational adventure that launches students beyond the natural world and into the realm of aerospace engineering. The Meteor Crater Education Alliance offers the Launch Lab: Chemistry in Motion, a dynamic hands-on experience designed specifically for middle and high school students eager to engage with real-world physics and chemistry through rocket building and launching.

Located near 2201 North Gemini Drive in Flagstaff—a city perched at the convergence of Ponderosa pine forests and volcanic formations—this program uses the spirit of scientific inquiry that defines the region. The lab challenges participants to experiment with propulsion concepts and Newton’s laws, enabling them to design and build functional rockets that are tested in launches, connecting textbook theory with tangible explosive excitement. This immersive STEM experience is more than just a class; it’s a launching pad for future innovators, igniting curiosity and critical thinking in a hands-on environment.

What makes the Meteor Crater Education Alliance especially compelling is its fusion of local geological significance and modern science education. Situated near the world’s best-preserved meteorite impact site, the lab emphasizes the interplay between Earth sciences and aerospace technology. Visitors can enrich their visit by pairing the lab with a trek to the crater itself, one of the most remarkable geological features in Arizona, formed over 50,000 years ago by a meteor impact that shaped scientific understanding of planetary collisions.

This program stands out as a unique destination for education-centered outdoor adventure in the Flagstaff area. It offers a rare blend of engaging STEM curriculum, active hands-on participation, and a backdrop that embodies the frontier of scientific discovery. Whether you bring a group of young learners or simply want to dive deeper into aerospace principles, the Launch Lab delivers an experience that's both educational and thrilling, reinforcing Flagstaff’s status as a hub for science, nature, and adventure.

About Meteor Crater Education Alliance

Meteor Crater Education Alliance is a Flagstaff, Arizona–based provider of hands-on STEM and space science programs for schools, community groups, and birthday celebrations. The organization offers mobile and on-site experiences that bring chemistry, physics, materials science, astronomy, and engineering to learners of all ages.

Program offerings include interactive birthday parties such as It's Slime Time!, Bubble Palooza!, Blast Off Birthday!, and Dino-Mite Birthday Bash! Educational labs and assemblies span Slimy Chemistry, Ready, Set, Launch!, Strange Matter, Launch Lab: Chemistry in Motion, Crime Lab, Kinetic Art, and The Spectacular Science Show. Mission: Planetfall and Rockstars of the Solar System connect students to space science, while the Starry Stories Planetarium Show delivers an inflatable-dome astronomy experience blending constellations and cultural storytelling.

Activities emphasize hands-on experiments, demonstrations, launches, and creative projects that encourage curiosity, observation, and basic STEM thinking. Mission: Planetfall includes emission spectra analysis and planetary lander design; Ready, Set, Launch! explores trajectory, air pressure, and engineering through air-powered rockets. Each experience provides tangible takeaways, from wiggly slime creations at birthday parties to tested rocket designs at launch labs.

Meteor Crater Education Alliance serves schools, families, and community programs in and around Flagstaff with portable formats and classroom-ready sessions. Program descriptions and trip summaries clarify what participants can expect, helping educators and parents choose the right experience. By offering a variety of themed labs, shows, and mobile planetarium events, the organization makes science accessible, memorable, and fun. Groups can book programs for assemblies, field trips, and private celebrations year-round with flexible schedules.