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Canister Rocket

Blast off your creative energy with two 'Rocket Science' experiments.

WARNING

This activity involves a flying projectile. Make sure you have an adult with you and wear eye protection. Always do this activity outside and never allow your canister rocket to point at anything, except the sky (especially your face)!!!

Rocket Science!Materials

  • A clear film canister
  • Bi-carb soda (Baking Soda)
  • Vinegar
  • Popstick or teaspoon
  • Plate or tray
  • Glasses, sunnies or safety goggles
  • An adult

What to do

  • Before you begin the activity, read all the instructions. Take the lid off the film canister and practise putting the lid on and placing the canister upside down.
  • Put on your eye protection.
  • Make a thick paste with a small amount of bi-carb soda and vinegar and put it into the film canister lid with the popstick.
  • Pour a small amount of vinegar, about 5ml, into the body of the film canister.
  • Hold the body of the canister in one hand and the lid in the other. Quickly and firmly press the lid completely on, place the canister (lid down) on the tray and stand back.
  • Remember - make sure everyone is a safe distance from the experiment.
  • Your canister rocket will blast off seconds later. The exact timing will depend on the canister, temperature and the amount of ingredients you used.

Why?

When vinegar and bi-carb soda mix together, there is a fast chemical reaction and carbon dioxide gas (CO2) is produced. This causes the canister body to burst from the lid.