Rocket Reactions

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The "Rocket Reactions" activity is an exciting way to learn about how materials interact, behave, and change. Participants make little baking soda and vinegar "rockets," launching plastic caps into the air, and experimenting to discover the best mix of fuel for their rocket. Activity includes a facilitation guide with potential misconceptions, Earth & space science infosheets with real-world connections, table sign, and activity training videos. All public-facing materials also available in Spanish.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 6 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Model
Language:
English, Spanish

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Rocket tubes and caps
  • 4 ¼ teaspoons (2 for citric acid, 2 for baking soda)
  • 4 100-milliliter beakers (2 for citric acid, 2 for baking soda)
  • 2 250-millileter beakers (for water)
  • Citric acid
  • Baking soda
  • Water
  • 4 pipettes (for water)
  • Rinse container filled with water
  • Microfiber cloths (or paper towels)
  • Splash safety goggles + cleaners
  • Marker and labels

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Reactions
    • Motion and Forces
      • Newton's Laws
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process

Informal Categories

  • Science Festivals Activity

Audience

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Foreign language versions of this resource:

Components that are part of this resource:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation, 1612482