Film Canister Rocket

The idea behind all rockets is the same: some sort of force is exerted on an object, thereby propelling it away from the earth. In this project you will build the simplest type of rocket, using household materials.

Materials

  • Film Canister
  • Alka-Seltzer
  • Water
  • Open area

Procedure

  1. Go outside and pick out an open area.
  2. Fill the canister with water.
  3. Open the film canister and place the tablet inside.
  4. Quickly place the canister on the ground, cap down.
  5. Stand back and wait for it to launch.

The antacid tablet will react with the water, creating gas that quickly raises the pressure inside the canister until the canister finally launches into the air, releasing all the gas.