Rocket Science
Have a go at building your own rocket from everyday ingredients. Caution, rocket can travel up to two storey’s high! For children over the age of 9 with adult supervision. Wear safety glasses and stand back from the launch pad.750ml plastic bottle (empty DYC vinegar bottles are ideal)
4 strong drinking straws
Tape
Plastic funnel
1 Cup DYC White Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Baking soda
9cm square of paper towel
Cork to fit the bottle
1
Tape the straws onto the bottle at equal distance apart and at the same level so the bottle stands with the neck of the bottle pointing down.
2
Place 1 tablespoon of baking soda down the centre of the paper towel square. Fold the ends over the baking soda and roll up so the baking soda parcel will fit into the bottle.
3
Pour ½ cup vinegar into the bottle.
4
Take the rocket outside.
5
Tile the rocket on its side and carefully push the parcel into the bottle, trying to keep it away from the vinegar as much as possible.
6
Quickly push the cork into the bottle (about half way up the cork)
7
Shake the bottle for 2 seconds, stand on the straws and move well away as the rocket will take off as the cork is blown out and the bottle is propelled into the air by the vinegar and baking soda reacting to produce carbon dioxide. This will squirt out of the bottle as a foaming liquid of vinegar and baking soda.
8
If your rocket didnt take off, leave for at least 2 minutes before approaching. You may need to experiment with a different size cork or push the cork in more or less to form a good seal.
