How to Make Baking Soda and Vinegar Rockets

Kids love building and launching model rockets. Most people purchase a rocket and engine from their local hobby store, but building your own rocket powered by baking soda and vinegar is an incredibly easy and inexpensive project. With just a few household items and a young helper or two, you can easily build and launch your own baking soda and vinegar rocket.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 35mm film canister with lid
• Stickers (optional)
• Card stock
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Sandpaper
• Glue gun
• Baking soda
• Vinegar (white or apple cider)
• Small wood board

1. Sand the outside of your film canister. By roughing up the plastic, you are giving the glue something to grip when you add your wings.

2. Ask your kids to place stickers on the outside of the film to decorate the rocket, if desired.

3. Measure the card stock and cut three triangles that are slightly shorter than the height of the canister and extend out about 3/4 inch.

4. Glue the triangles to the sides of the canister so that the wide end of the triangles are close to the bottom of the rocket (the open end of your canister). Allow time for the glue to dry before moving to the next step.

5. Pour enough vinegar in the canister to fill it about 1/3 of the way. Carefully add a small handful of baking soda, quickly replace the cap then place the rocket on the board.

6. Stand back and watch your rocket launch.

Tips & Warnings

• Always supervise children when building and launching rockets.
• Make sure you launch your rocket in a wide open area away from windows and other breakable items.
• Stand at a safe distance away from the rocket to avoid injury.