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What happens when you put a gas emitting substance in a closed container? Something will eventually have to give. For today’s Camp Weary Parent activity we are going to do a little experiment and make our own rockets using 35mm plastic film containers, Alka Seltzer, baking soda and vinegar.
I have yet to meet a child who did not think today’s activity/experiment is WAY COOL! My son first did this project in 4th grade and it is one of his all time favorites, still. Even though this is a relatively safe experiment, make sure it is adult supervised, you have plenty of unobstructed space to send them off (go outside!), and use eye protection.
What you need:
- A handful of 35mm plastic film containers with lids
- Alka Seltzer tablets
- Water
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Index cards and/or construction paper
Use the index cards to make the rocket body by wrapping the film canister in the card, adding some fins for steering and a cone shaped top. (Check out the Space Society’s very detailed drawing of how this should look) Get creative and make your rocket body as patriotic as you wish. Experiment with different fin placements and sizes, too.
You are going to make two different types of rockets – one using Alka Seltzer tablets and one using a combination of baking soda and vinegar.
For the Alka Seltzer rockets, add a little water to the film canister, drop in an Alka Seltzer tablet, close the canister and place on the ground with the lid side down. Time how long it takes for the rocket to “ignite” and then observe how high it flies, what direction it goes, and if it stays in tact.
For the baking soda rockets, add the baking soda to the canister first, then add a few drops of vinegar, close the canister and place on the ground with the lid side down. Time how long it takes for the rocket to “ignite” and then observe how high it flies, what direction it goes, and if it stays in tact.
Experiment with different measures of water to Alka Seltzer – what combination produces the best flight. Same with the baking soda concoction.
You can do lots of fun stuff with Alka Seltzer (and it is good for upset tummies too). Check out all the science experiments for kids on the Alka Seltzer site!
Visit the Camp Weary Parent page for a complete listing of all the activities we have done so far this summer.
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