How to Make a Model Rocket for Kids

The bubbles created by water and antacid tablets power a simple rocket.

Antacid tablets are not just for helping alleviate heartburn anymore. Now they can be used as the fuel for a kid-safe rocket. Bubble rockets are a simple, effective way to teach children about rocket power and the physics principles of action and reaction. Unlike other types of rockets, this craft requires no fire or electrical power, making it a kid-friendly project. In fact, NASA recommends making a bottle rocket on its Space Place website.

Things You'll Need

• Jar lid
• Scissors
• 35 mm film canister
• Cellophane tape
• Safety goggles
• Fizzing antacid tablets

Instructions

1. Trace a circle on a piece of paper using the jar lid to make the nose cone for the rocket. Trace out several triangle shapes to form the rocket's fins. Cut out the pieces of the rocket's body from the paper. Use the remaining paper to wrap the rocket.

2. Wrap a tube of paper around a film canister. Tape the canister to the end of the paper before beginning to wrap the canister. Be sure the film canister's lid is facing down when the canister is fully wrapped.

3. Tape fins to the body of the rocket. Cut a wedge in the circle and bend it into a cone shape. Attach the cone to the top of the rocket to make a nose.

4. Put on safety goggles for the next two steps. Turn the rocket upside down and fill the film canister 1/3 full with water. Drop the antacid tablet into the film canister and snap on the lid, quickly.

5. Place the rocket standing up on the sidewalk and stand back. Watch as the antacid tablet reacts with the water, causing the rocket to launch into the air.

Tips & Warnings

• Use film canisters where the plastic lid fits inside the container opening, rather than over it. NASA recommends contacting local photography shops for donations of leftover film canisters. Encourage students to make rockets with varying sizes of nose cones and body fins. Different types of rockets will fly differently. This allows students to compare and contrast the science behind rocket launches.

References

• NASA: Build a Bubble-Powered Rocket
• ScientificsOnline: Seltzer Powered Rocket
• SteveSpanglerScience: Alka Seltzer Rocket