This activity introduces students to the basic physics concepts on how rockets work through the building and testing of a model rocket fueled by an antacid. Students have the opportunity to revise and improve their initial design. Note: This activity is similar to film canister rockets that students make in elementary school but is adapted for middle school.
Subject:
Mathematics and Statistics, Science and Technology
Students design and build a paper rocket around a film canister, which is used as the engine. An antacid tablet and water are put into the canister, react to form carbon dioxide gas, and act as the pop rocket's propellant. With the lid snapped on, the continuous creation of gas causes pressure to build up until the lid pops off, sending the rocket into the air. The pop rockets demonstrate Newton's third law of motion: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Subject:
Mathematics and Statistics, Science and Technology
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