Fun Science - ALKA SELTZER ROCKETS

Last year, I mentioned our Not-So Runaway Bride in Duluth, GA, who married one of our very good friends. We are fortunate to now have the lovely Janet, a science teacher and Discovery Toys rep(!), in our extended family. Even though Tim & Janet don't have kids (yet!), their house is one of our favorite places to visit -- they've got all the COOL TOYS!

Janet showed us another simple Fun Science experiment to help cure those summertime bouts of "Mom, I'm bored..."

ALKA SELTZER ROCKETS

Objective: Fun, safe rocket science

"Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz, Oh What a Relief It Is!"

You will need:
1. Alka Seltzer tablets
2. Empty 35mm film canisters
(Clear ones seem to work the best -- You can generally get empty film canisters for free at the photo processing counter at drugstores: CVS, Eckerd, Walgreen, etc.)
3. Water

Outside, half-fill empty film canister with about 2 Tablespoons of water. Drop 1/4 tablet Alka Seltzer in and quickly seal with cap, set down upside-down on driveway or hard surface -- STAND BACK!! (Safe experimentation and many variations are possible -- i.e. amount of water/Alka Seltzer, placement of "rocket," etc.)

With several kids, an empty film canister for each, and a box of Alka Seltzer -- Rebel kid tested & verified -- you've got a good hour of entertainment! Have Fun!!

SEE ALSO: Fun Science - SODA GEYSER and Fun Science - SOAP SOUFFLE