The SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity introduced its offsite Rocket Program on January 15, 2026, to San Juan District Middle Schoolers, with the goal of inspiring curiosity in STEM in a fun and accessible way.   

Jade Petaishiski, MOSAC’s Youth Programs Coordinator, was a key part of launching MOSAC’s new offsite program. Petaishiski described the program as “a reverse field trip where instead of school students going somewhere new to experience something, we go to them at their school. In this case, that experience is MOSAC staff teaching students how to make 3D models of air-powered rockets, then printing those designs at MOSAC and bringing them back to the kids for real-life testing.”  

Introducing off-site school programs enables MOSAC to reach parts of the community that may have never heard of MOSAC or are unable to attend in person. This furthers MOSAC’s mission to inspire the next generation of scientists, technologists, and thought leaders to meet the needs of the 21st-century workforce, and to help all of us face the challenges of a rapidly changing world.  

The Rocket Program enables students to learn STEM subjects in a fun and hands-on manner, encouraging them to think outside the box and push the limits of their imagination.  

“They were making the designs with CAD software, and then they would get the physical rocket- that came from their own creativity. They were excited to see their 3D rockets; saying who made that one or which one is mine. They put in the work and were able to see it come to life, giving them the freedom to have fun. It wasn’t an assignment with strict parameters; they liked that they had the freedom to make something,” Petaishiski said.    

There is no grading or testing within this program, allowing students to feel secure in asking questions about the new STEM skills they are learning. MOSAC aims to build the confidence of the students involved in the program, showing them that they are capable of anything they put their minds to.  

“A moment that really showed me that we were making an impact was when one kid was describing how he would change his rocket, saying I’ll make the top part more pointed and skinnier and the fins smaller. I told him he was thinking about aerodynamics. He was shocked and happy to see that what he was describing was real science,” saidPetaishiski.  

MOSAC was able to provide this program with the support from Northrop Grumman, who generously funded the program. Over 20 students participated in the program. It was an opportunity to try something new, build confidence within themselves, and learn real STEM skills that can inspire further exploration in STEM.  

To learn more about MOSAC and the programs we offer, visit www.visitMOSAC.org.