Science Smarts: This time it actually is rocket science
By Patty Rooks on September 30, 2023.
I have been following the news lately and there is a great deal about rocket launching on there. The research happening in space is quite amazing. Of course, I cannot afford to go up in a rocket, but I do love watching them launch, so here is a homemade version I can enjoy anytime I want to. Let’s get started! *Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment. Materials – Empty mug – Alka Seltzer tablet* – Warm water – Empty water bottle with a pull type sports cap on it – Table or sturdy work surfaced away from any objects that may break – Cardboard (optional) – Tape (optional) Procedure 1. Place the mug on a study work surface. 2. Fill the water bottle about half full of WARM water 3. You have to work quickly now. 4. Ensure the sports cap for the bottle is closed. Set aside for now. 5. Break half of the Alka Seltzer tablet* off and put in the water bottle. 6. Screw the lid on the bottle tightly and give it a quick shake. 7. Place the bottle cap side down in the mug pointing away from EVERYTHING. 8. Observe. 9. If you would like to try your engineering skills, make your rocket fly even better, design some fins/wings to make it fly better and in the direction you wish. 10. Perhaps you want to adjust the amount of water and Alka Seltzer* to increase or decrease the length/duration of the launch? 11. Hmm, perhaps this would be a good start for a first Science Fair project??? What is going on? In this experiment you built a reusable rocket. Similar to a good aerospace engineer, you are able to design a rocket with optimal launch and trajectory. The science behind why it launches is due to the chemical reaction between the Alka Seltzer tablet and the water. When these two combine, a gas called carbon dioxide is given off. As it builds up inside of the bottle, it has to escape, increasing the pressure until it has no where else to go. The cap will pop and it lifts off just like a rocket! Mark your calendars – our annual Family Science Olympics will be returning on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Medicine Hat College. Doors open at 10:00 a.m. and we will go until 3:00 p.m. This year we will also be featuring a local scientist speaking about his research. I hope to see you there. Patty Rooks, Senior Scientific Consultant PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community”. Contact Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, http://www.praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook. Address: #12 826 11th Street SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1T7 Phone: 403-527-5365, email: praxis@praxismh.ca. 28-27
