Pop Rocket Chemical Reaction Science Experiment
Learn how to make a pop rocket in this quick, super fun, and easy chemical reaction science experiment. This is a new spin on the traditional Alka-Seltzer film canister pop rocket experiment. Since the old film canisters are getting harder to come by, we will use a Mini M&Ms tube to perform this chemical reaction science experiment.
Materials:
- Empty Mini M&M’s tube. These are readily available at grocery and convenience stores and come in a variety of cool colors.
- Scissors
- Water
- Alka-Seltzer tablets
Instructions:
- Find an area outside that is easy to clean up and can get a little messy.
- Look up and make sure there is nothing that can get hit and broken above where you plan to launch your pop rocket.
- Use the scissors to cut the little plastic tab that acts as a hinge for the tube lid.
- Break an Alka-Seltzer tab in half and put it in the tube.
- Fill the tube about 3/4 of the way full with water.
- Quickly snap on the lid and set your pop rocket on the ground upside down (on its lid).
- Step back a few feet.
- Watch and wait for the chemical reaction to cause your pop rocket to launch into the air.
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How it Works:
The water causes a chemical reaction to occur when the dry ingredients in the Alka-Selzer tablet, citric acid and sodium bicarbonate, dissolve and create carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide builds up pressure until it causes the lid to “pop” off and launch the pop rocket into the air.
Make This A Science Project:
Test different amounts of Alka-Seltzer tablet and observe and record any noticeable differences. Try different liquids. Try different containers. Test different amounts of water. Add fins to your tube to see if this cause the pop rocket to travel at a different speed or distance.
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