Launch a Rocket with Simple Chemistry

By Sara Thompson

Photo Credit Sara Thompson

Special to the Enterprise

The last two weeks of summer camp have focused on space, including planets, asteroids, moons, astronauts, rockets, and more! Not wanting to hoard all the fun, we share with you this simple “rocket” you can make at home.

Materials: small bottle (between 15-20 oz.), cork that fits inside the bottle opening, straws, tape, half a sheet of paper towel, baking soda, vinegar or lemon juice, and an open space to test it.

Instructions: Using the tape, attached 3-4 straws to the sides of the bottle. Arrange straws in a way that the bottle is not touching the ground and the bottle opening is facing downwards. Pour about two finger widths of vinegar or lemon juice into the bottle (around ¼ cup). Next, place around a Tablespoon of baking soda in the paper towel half sheet and wrap it up to make a little bundle. After you have prepped your materials, find a nice, open space outside to try it out. When you find an appropriate area, push the paper towel bundle into the bottle, quickly push the cork into the open bottle, set it on the ground, and stand back! How high did your home rocket go? Does using vinegar or lemon juice make a difference? Try both and find out!

When baking soda and an acid, like vinegar or lemon juice, interact they create the gas carbon dioxide. By wrapping the baking soda in the towel, the reaction slows down enough to get the cork in, and the bottles sat down. As the gas builds in the bottle, it will push towards the only “weak spot” which is the cork, forcing it downwards and causing the bottle to shoot upwards.

Most of these items can be found at home for this fun science experiment. For safety it is always important to have an adult assist and supervise. The bottle can rise suddenly and rapidly, so make sure you take several steps away when the bottle is placed down on the ground. Be safe and have fun!

Explorit's coming events:

• Explorit is open Fridays from 1-4pm and Saturday and Sundays from 10am-2pm. The current exhibit is “Our WILD World”. Admission is $5 per person, free for Explorit Members and those aged 2 and under. Final weekend of “Our WILD World” is August 10-11, 2024.

• August 10-11, The Bear Facts. In celebration of Smokey Bear's 80th birthday, discover facts about the 8 bears of the world! This special exhibition will have replica skulls, claws, teeth, and more representing all 8 bear species, photo opportunities for the entire family, & special bear themed crafts. Courtesy of Kaotic Mythicals, this event is included with general $5 Admission to Explorit, 10am-2pm both days.

• Now is a great time to donate and help Explorit continue to educate and inspire the scientists of tomorrow: https://www.explorit.org/donate

• An Explorit Membership grants the recipient free visits to Explorit’s regular public hours, discounts on events, summer camps and workshops, and gives you ASTC benefits to visit other museums throughout the world. To purchase or for more information visit https://www.explorit.org/membership or call Explorit at 530-756-0191.