MIT aerospace engineer Emily Calandrelli brings hands-on STEAM learning to students at Chicago’s Shoop Academy of Math, Science and Technology as the nationwide initiative celebrates its third year
From the LifeMinute.tv Team
October 22, 2026
What happens when you combine baking soda, a rocket experiment, and a little curiosity? Students across the country are finding out through the third annual Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Rocket Day.
We traveled to Chicago, where MIT aerospace engineer Emily Calandrelli, also known as “The Space Gal,” helped students explore the excitement of science through hands-on rocket experiments using everyday household ingredients.
“The ones that I love the most use Arm & Hammer baking soda because it’s easily accessible,” Calandrelli shared. “It brings everybody along for the ride of science. It welcomes everybody in.”
The nationwide initiative also aims to bring STEAM learning opportunities to underserved communities, inspiring students of all backgrounds to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
“When students see these everyday staples in their home, combined with the knowledge of what these ingredients can do together, it just creates a magical moment,” said Stacey Ramstedt, Chief Marketing Officer at Church & Dwight.
The goal goes beyond launching rockets—it’s about helping students discover their own potential.
“We want students everywhere to know that they have what it takes to be the future innovator, the future engineer, the future creator,” Ramstedt added.
To learn more about Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Rocket Day, visit BakingSodaRocket.com.
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Joann Butler, Lifestyle Editor: What happens when you give students baking soda, a rocket experiment and room to get curious? Schools all over the country are finding out at the third annual Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Rocket Day. We went to Chicago this week to check it out. MIT aerospace engineer Emily Calandrelli, aka “The Space Gal”, was on hand leading students through the experiments showing how something students may already have at home can become a tool for exploration.
Emily Calandrelli, "The Space Gal": Well, I'm known for doing many a science experiment, especially family friendly science experiments, and the ones that I love the most use Arm & Hammer baking soda because it's easily accessible. People usually already have it, and so I love that because it brings everybody along for the ride of science. it welcomes everybody in. Joann Butler, Lifestyle Editor: The national effort is also reaching schools in underserved communities. Church and Dwight Chief marketing officer Stacey Ramstedt says Arm & Hammer wants to help make hands-on learning and steam exploration more accessible to students from all backgrounds.
Stacey Ramstedt, Chief Marketing Officer, Church & Dwight: When students see these everyday staples in their home, combined with the knowledge of what these ingredients can do together, it just creates a magical moment. We want students everywhere to know that they have what it takes to be the future innovator. The future engineer, the future creator. We want students everywhere to believe that their future is brighter than the stars.
Joann Butler, Lifestyle Editor:To learn more, go to bakingsodarocket.com. In Chicago, I'm Joann Butler.
