Pop Rockets! 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…….
So I’ve been trying various things with Jasper since school started for his sister and some have worked great (smashing playdough, for one) while others, well, not so much (anything drawing-related). With this one I’ve really hit it. I have one word.
Rockets.
Seriously, it seems like boys are generally very transportation-oriented, and rockets seem to be the pinnacle of interest for my guy. Combine that with the hands-on science aspect of this project and I really found a winner! (I should say that everyone loved this–both Josie and Daddio joined in at launch-time).
Materials:
- paper towel tube
- file folder (or light cardboard such as a cereal box)
- glue stick
- stapler
- scissors or craft knife
- empty film canister (the one with the lid that fits inside worked slightly better than the traditional type that’s black with a grey lid–I asked for one in the Target photo department)
- alka-seltzer
- water
Process:
1 - Cut a 3″ circle out of your file folder and cut a slit to the center.
2 - Cut four triangular fins out of the file folder, each about 2″ high (see the one in the picture, above?). Snip about 1/2 inch off the top of your triangle, then fold in about 1/2 inch. Make two snips in to your fold line to create three tabs. Fold them in opposite directions.
3 - Snip one end of your paper towel tube into little tabs, about 1/2 inch square. Mash them in a bit with your hand to round the end.
4 - Roll your circle into a cone shape, then glue and staple to hold it. (this is apparently where I stopped taking pictures, go figure!)
5 - Apply plenty of glue stick to the mashed-in end of your paper towel tube and stick the cone onto it. Hold for about two minutes while the glue sets.
6 - Glue fins on around the bottom.
7 - Stick your film canister up inside the base of your rocket (inside the paper towel tube; it should fit exactly), with the open end facing out. Hold on to the lid!
8 - Add 1-2 Alka Seltzer tablets, pour in a bit of water, put the cap back on (quickly!), set it on the ground pointing skyward (hustle, hustle!) and stand way back and wait for blastoff. Don’t forget your binoculars!
Our rocket popped up by a couple of feet on our best attempt (two tablets, fill about 2/3 full of water), perhaps not nearly as impressive as Jasper was imagining (orbit?), but it was such a fun project. We talked a bit about what was happening inside the film canister as the Alka-Seltzer reacted, and as the kids get older it will be fun to experiment more and collect data about what works better (1 tablet or two? More water or less?). Definitely a boycraft success!
So what are your boys into these days? Are they the transportation-rocket-blastoff type, or does something else get them fired up?
What a fun mom you are! I’m inspired.
It’s going to be a pity that I don’t have a single film canister and can’t think of an alternative.
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@Stephanie - You are too kind, but I”m so happy to have inspired
@Sarah - Neither did I! I went to the photo department at Target (where the develop the pictures) and asked if they had any old ones. Sure, the lady thought that I was crazy, but she had a couple! You could probably try Walgreens or just about any other photo developing place.
(I edited the post a bit to say this, just in case someone misses the comments
Best, Amanda
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I got a little worried about what you were planning in the beginning, because I did this when I was in grade school with one of the Toy rocket kits and nearly killed myself and several others.
Your setup with the alka-seltzer is way safer.
I remember doing this in elementary school and I was so going to do this w/ my boys- you beat me to it! I’m still going to do it though- fun!
You know what would be fun for your little guy. Let him build a launching station out of cardboard. Make a little mini NASA! Just a thought. I am going to try this with my guy. Thanks
This does look like fun. I’ll have to try it.
My son is 7 and he’s all into sharks right now! LOl Sharks and helping Dad work on an antigue truck!
Love the rocket…my son will be so excited to try this out. Thanks for you nice comments on my blog. Also nice to now know about yours. Look forward to checking it out.
My kids, age 4 & 2 loved this. They couldn't really help make the rocket except to decorate it, and the film canister didn't fit exactly so I had to tape it in, but they couldn't get enough of it. I got the film canisters from Target, they would have given me 20 if I wanted them. Also we reused the alka-seltzer tablets several times. What ful!
We just made one of these the other day, except we used shiny silver mylar on the outside. My kids absolutely loved it.
This is so cool! My 2.5 year old is obsessed with cars and planes and construction machines, but I bet a rocket would fit right into his imaginary world!
Wow, you have such great ideas that we can all be inspired by and try for ourselves! Thanks for sharing with us!
Oh my - this looks way too fun! But now I have to find some film canisters….and remember to ASK for them while I am at Walmart…and not sitting at home!
In an effort to create a little more simplicity and frugality for our Christmas, we decided to make these for our neices and nephews. Of course, my son and I tested them out. Such fun! Our only trouble came with the fact that instead of sending our rocket into the air, the film canister popped right up through it, taking the top off of the rocket! I’m going to secure the others with Elmer’s or a stronger glue. Also, our film canisters popped best if I only used one tablet at a time — otherwise it would pop before I could get it on the ground! A very fun craft!
My daughter’s kindergarten class made these today; they were so fun!