Description
Exploding Pop Rockets is a fun and interactive science-based activity that combines simple household ingredients to create mini chemical rocket launches. Using film canisters, vinegar, baking soda or Alka-Seltzer tablets, and optional food coloring and glitter, this experiment provides colorful, safe, and exciting eruptions perfect for outdoor fun and learning about chemical reactions and pressure build-up.
Ingredients
Scale
Equipment
- 6 empty 35 mm film canisters with tight-fitting lids or mini condiment cups with snap lids
- Funnel or small spoon
- Safety goggles
- Outdoor space for launching
Ingredients
- Vinegar (white or apple cider), about â…“ full per canister
- 1 box baking soda OR Alka-Seltzer tablets
- Optional: food coloring (2-3 drops per launch) for colorful eruptions
- Optional: fine glitter for sparkle trails
- Small piece of tissue (for making baking soda packets)
Instructions
- Safety Preparation: Put on safety goggles to protect your eyes, and set up your launch area outdoors to keep the space well-ventilated and safe.
- Vinegar Filling: Fill each film canister about one-third full with vinegar, which acts as the acid to react with the base.
- Add Color and Sparkle: Add 2 to 3 drops of food coloring and a pinch of fine glitter into the vinegar to create colorful, sparkling eruptions when the reaction happens.
- Prepare Baking Soda Packet: If using baking soda, place 1 teaspoon into a small piece of tissue and twist it closed to form a small packet. This delays the reaction slightly for better launch effect.
- Combine Reactants: Quickly drop the baking soda packet into the vinegar-filled canister (or add half an Alka-Seltzer tablet if using), snap the lid tightly on, and immediately flip the canister lid-side down on the ground.
- Launch: Step back at least six feet to a safe distance and wait for the vinegar and baking soda to react, producing pressure that causes the canister to pop open and launch into the air.
- Repeat: For continued fun, repeat with fresh ingredients for multiple rocket launches.
Notes
- Ensure the lids are snapped on tightly to build enough pressure for launch.
- This activity is best performed outdoors due to the popping noise and vinegar fumes.
- Supervise children closely to ensure safety during launches.
- Use different food coloring combinations to create various eruption colors.
- Dispose of used reactants responsibly and rinse film canisters for reuse.
