Ghost Rocket Science Experiment - Awesome Halloween Activity!
Building rockets is something most boys (and girls) do at some point during their younger years, it almost qualifies as one of those milestones that we watch our kids accomplish as they grow. This almost inevitable interest gives educators one more opportunity to turn some theory into practice by performing "rocket-themed" science experiments. Since Halloween is fast approaching, I thought this Ghost Rocket science experiment would be right up the kids' alley.
To quickly bring you up to speed, I have made it my challenge to introduce a daily Halloween themed experiment or activity, in light of the "horrifying" festivities that are fast approaching. Before I move on to today's entry, please see some of my recent posts:
- Halloween Moon Sand - Sensory Play Activity For Pre Schoolers
- Learn About Bacteria With This Edible Halloween Treat
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! Plant pumpkins in a pumpkin!
- "Blood' Liquid Density - Halloween Science Experiment
- "Brain Surgery" - Halloween Experiment (Learn About Polymer Chains)
Today's addition:
Make A Ghost Rocket!
Halloween is all about thing spooky, gross and gooey! But, if you learn how to outwit the kiddos, you can take advantage of the festivities and turn them into something educational too! This experiment involves a bit of chemistry, science, and a you guessed it, FUN! This is perfect to do as a class practical in conjunction with fitting theory, or it can be done at home as a fun family activity.
What you will need:
- Transparent film canisters (with digital cameras these are not always on hand, but you should be able to get some at your nearest plastic and packaging store)
- Corn starch
- Alka Seltzer (or substitute with:
0ne part citric acid powder mixed with two parts sodium bicarbonate powder (baking soda) and one fast dissolving aspirin tablet of 325 mg, but you can use a lower dose such as a baby aspirin, or no aspirin if you just want the fizzing action. )
- Water
- A permanent marker
- A lolly stick for stirring
- Safety goggles (to protect eyes from exploding solution)
Instructions:
1. Start off by drawing ghost-like faces onto your film canisters and allow to dry.
2. Add about a teaspoon of corn starch to each canister.
3. Fill with water to about 1/3 of the way and then mix together.
4. Now for the fun part! You will need to do one canister at a time, since the "explosion" is almost instant.
Break pieces of Alka Seltzer in to quarter portions (or half a teaspoon of your citric acid mixture) and add it to the corn starch and water. Quickly out the lid on to the canister, flip it over and set it down onto a flat surface. Stand pack as you watch your Ghost Rockets prepare for lift off and rocket into the sky!
Caution!
If it does not launch, wait at least 30 second before examining the canister. Usually the cap is not on tight enough and the build up of gas leaked out.
Together, you and your students can play around with the quantities of water, corn starch and Alka Seltzer placed in each canister and observe what happens each time. Because this is quite a messy experiment, I suggest it is done outdoors.
The Science Behind It
When the Alka Seltzer is added to the water and corn starch solution it starts to fizz. The fizzing action releases carbon dioxide (a gas), which starts to fill the canister. As more and more of the carbon dioxide is released, pressure begins to build up. This pressure pushes the lid of the canister down with force and the canister itself, up with force - thrusting it up with speed as a result.This is exactly how a real rocket is lifted into the air, it just uses rocket fuel as it's "exploding ingredient".
The project above is a DEMONSTRATION. To make it a true experiment, you can try to answer these questions:
Does water temperature affect how fast the rocket launches?
Does the size of the tablet piece affect how long it takes for the rocket to launch?
Can the flight path be controlled by adding fins or a nosecone to the canister?
How much water in the canister will give the highest flight?
How much water will give the quickest launch?
This home made "explosion" if often done by curios kids as a fun trick, without them knowing that they are actually experimenting with science. Enlighten them with this "petrifying" activity.
Team South Africa banner designed by @bearone
Love this post. My son will love doing this!
Boys just love things that explode, even my toddler goes around saying "boom boom" - thank you for your support @tanyaschutte :)
Fantastic idea @sweetpea! :)
Thank you @ruth-girl :)
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