Science Smarts: Have some fun with science at the pool or lake this summer

By Patty Rooks on July 12, 2025.

The start of summer vacation is SOOO much fun! There is so much to do and so little time – let’s start this week with a fun activity you can do in an outside pool, or if you are with an adult at the lake, this activity is just for you. Let’s get started!

*Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.

Materials

– Empty 2L plastic bottle

– Piece of styrofoam (one from the butcher shop – cleaned of course will work great)

– Vinegar

– Measuring cups

– Funnel (optional)

– Plasticine

– Baking soda

– Small square of tissue

– Double sided tape

– Bathtub/pool/lake

Procedure

1. Secure the empty bottle to the Styrofoam try using some double sided tape (or whatever you have handy). Make sure it is on there and will not fall off.

2. Take a piece of plasticine and measure and make it fit the opening to the bottle. Set aside.

3. Measure 250 mL (one cup) of vinegar and pour it into the bottle. Put the plasticine on the bottle so it does not spill.

4. Unfold the tissue. You want just ONE layer of it.

5. Measure 45 mL (three tablespoons) of baking soda into the tissue.

6. Fold it up nice into a packet.

7. Go outside or to the location you are going to launch your jet boat.

8. Remove the plasticine and gently plat the packet you made in the bottle.

9. QUICKLY place the plasticine back in the bottle (do not put it in too tight.

10. Place the jet boat in the water.

11. Observe.

What is going on?

In this experiment, your jet boat was propelled by a chemical reaction. When the vinegar (an acid) mixes with the baking soda (a base) it produces a gas called carbon dioxide. As the carbon diode builds up in the bottle, it pushes the plasticine plug out of the way and propelling your boat forward. Try different amounts of baking soda and vinegar to see how far you can get your boat to go!

Mark your calendars for the praxis AGM on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. We are always looking for new board members that want to share their love of science. Contact Praxis for further details.

Patty Rooks, senior scientific consultant Praxis Science Outreach Society. Praxis has moved! We are very fortunate to be located in the Community Futures Entre Corp Building at #202 556 Fourth St. SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 0K8. For all your science needs, please email praxis@praxismh.ca.

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