Pocket Rockets

These alka seltzer rockets are an easy and fun activity!

Materials:

• Alka Seltzer Tablets
• Film Canisters
• Water

Step 1: Fill Film Canister With Water

Fill the film canister with water. Different amounts will lead to different reaction times, with more water causing the rocket to launch quicker. 1/3 of the canister being filled with water is recommended and a good starting point.

Step 2: Drop Alka Seltzer in Canister

Next, you'll drop a full alka seltzer tablet in the film canister, which should now be filled with water.

Step 3: Put Cap on and Flip Canister Over

Once you put the tablet in, you will need to tightly secure the film canister lid and flip over the canister so that the lid sits on the surface.

Step 4: Stand Back and Watch

Finally, you'll need to take a step back and prepare for takeoff!

Comments

[Glumgad]

Nice idea, should it work with any carbon tablet?

[Trevor54]

The reaction is much faster when you use vinegar. I've used this method to produce a second stage separation by using a paper rocket on a compressor, but I suppose you could get the same effect with a stomp rocket. The key to success is keeping the bicarb and vinegar separate until the last instant. This can be achieved by taking a film canister [now getting rarer] or a pill canister and hot gluing a small cone of tinfoil into the bottom to contain the bicarb, leaving space around it to carefully drop the vinegar in. Glue a paper cone to the lid, and attach to the rocket with tape. As the stomp rocket goes nose down, the bicarb will mix with the vinegar and the lid will blow. Alternatively, you could glue the film pot into a larger canister, and pour the vinegar in around it. make the film pot hold the vinegar.

[Penolopy Bulnick]

Sounds like a fun and easy project :)