science experiments with alka seltzer tablets

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Alka Seltzer Rockets

Simple science and a cool chemical reaction with an easy DIY Alka Seltzer rocket ! Kids and adults will have a blast with this cool kitchen science experiment. A few simple ingredients and you have chemistry in action. We love fun and easy science experiments anyone can try out!

Explore Alka Seltzer Science For Kids

Oh boy! Get ready for some fun with this Alka Seltzer Rocket. EASY setup and simple to do! Your kids will be asking you to repeat it over and over again. I know; mine did!

This Alka Seltzer rocket is super cool science with just a few simple household ingredients. Learn and play at home or in the classroom.

Our science activities have you, the parent or teacher, in mind! Easy to set up, and quick to do, most projects will take only 15 to 30 minutes to complete and are fun! Our supplies lists usually contain only free or cheap materials you can source from home.

Check out all our chemistry experiments and physics experiments !

Grab some Alka Seltzer tablets and film canisters, and follow our step-by-step instructions to make an Alka Seltzer rocket that will blast off!

Also check out how to make a water bottle rocket with baking soda and vinegar!

Introducing Science To Kids

Science learning starts early, and you can be a part of that with  setting up science at home  with everyday materials. Or you can bring easy science experiments to a group of kids in the classroom!

We find a ton of value in cheap science activities and experiments. All our science experiments use inexpensive, everyday materials you can find at home or source from your local dollar store.

We even have a whole list of kitchen science experiments , using basic supplies you will have in your kitchen.

You can set up your science experiments as an activity focusing on exploration and discovery. Make sure to ask kids questions at each step, discuss what is happening, and discuss the science behind it.

Alternatively, you can introduce the scientific method, get kids to record their observations and make conclusions. Read more about the  scientific method for kids   to help you get started.

Helpful Science Resources To Get Your Started

Here are a few resources to help you introduce science more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.

• Best Science Practices (as it relates to the scientific method)
• Science Vocabulary
• 8 Science Books for Kids
• All About Scientists
• Science Supplies List
• Science Tools for Kids

What Makes Alka Seltzer Rockets Erupt?

This Alka Seltzer experiment is all about the chemical reaction between the tablet and the water. When the chemical reaction occurs, a gas called carbon dioxide is released.

We tried this experiment first without the lid to see what would happen! You can observe the gas from the bubbles formed.

However, with the lid on tight, pressure from the build up of gas occurs and the lid explodes off. This is what sends the canister into the air like a rocket! So much fun!

Click to get your FREE STEM Worksheets pack!

Alka Seltzer Experiment

Don’t have alka seltzer tablets? Check out our baking soda and vinegar bottle rocket !

*Please Note* This is a fully adult supervised science experiment. The Alka Seltzer rocket has a mind of its own. Have your child wear safety goggles at all time.

Older children will be able to assemble the Alka seltzer rocket. Please use your best judgement regarding your child’s ability to handle the materials.

• Alka Seltzer tablets
• Film canister or similar size container. What we are using is actually from the dollar store and sold in packages of 10. Make a rocket for everyone!

How To Make Alka Selzter Rockets

We tried it a few different ways and re-used the still fizzing tablets as long as we could. Sometime we had a giant explosion  that hit the ceiling and sometimes it just popped a little.

Step 1: Fill the canister about 2/3 full with water and then drop in 1/4 of an alka seltzer tablet.

Step 2: Immediately tightly cap the canister. This is crucial to the success and you have to work fast.

Step 3: Turn the container upside down and place on a flat surface.

Tip: Take this experiment outdoors for easier clean up unless you have open space and don’t mind the water! See more Outdoor STEM activities!

Step 4: Stand back with protective eye wear on!

Your Alka Seltzer rocket may blast off immediately or there may be a delayed reaction. Make sure to wait long enough before going over to the canister if it hasn’t taken off yet. Give it a nudge with your foot first.

Ultimately, it would go off every time just when I was sure it would not! If the container has to much water in it, the blast off wasn’t as big. Experiment with different amounts of water to tablet!

What does an eruption look like from an Alka Seltzer rocket?

Capturing an Alka Seltzer rocket on camera is not easy since I was the only adult. I often didn’t have enough time to pick up my camera and get ready.

However, I can tell you that the laughter, pointing, and jumping up and down from my son is proof enough. You may even go through a whole package.

More Fun Experiments To Try

Science experiments with ordinary items are the best! You don’t need fancy science kits when you have cupboards full of great stuff to use!

• Volcano Eruption
• Dancing Corn
• Elephant Toothpaste
• Lava Lamp Experiment
• Gummy Bear Osmosis Lab
• Diet Coke and Mentos Experiment

Printable Science Projects For Kids

If you’re looking to grab all of the printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets, our Science Project Pack is what you need!

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• How to make a Lava Lamp Experiment Sensory Bottle

ALKA-SELTZER LAVA LAMP

• Vegetable oil
• Food colouring
• Alka Seltzer tablets
• Pyrex jug {optional}
• Bottle, jar or glass

HOW TO MAKE AN ALKA-SELTZER LAVA LAMP SENSORY BOTTLE

STEP BY STEP PROCESS TO MAKE A DIY LAVA LAMP

HOW DOES AN ALKA-SELTZER TABLET REACTION MAKE A LAVA LAMP?

LAVA LAMP SENSORY BOTTLE VS REAL LAVA LAMP

MORE FUN SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS FOR KIDS

• Fizzing Bicarb + Vinegar Eruption
• Magic Milk Experiment
• Patriotic Magic Milk Experiment
• Bouncy Egg Science Experiment
• Skittles Rainbow Science Experiment
• Fireworks in a Glass Experiment
• 29 Simple Science Experiments for Kids

Would you like to comment?

Thank you so much. I will definitely try it. The science behind the process is very well explained!

that is nice

Can you us this over and over or just one day?

Hi Lynn, We used ours for quite a few months before my daughter accidentally knocked it over and the oil leaked. This is why I chose a bottle with a lid so it can be stored when not in use. You just need to drop in another alka seltzer tablet to make it react again.

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Super Cool Lava Lamp Experiment for Kids

This lava lamp experiment is super cool! Your kids will love exploring colored water and oil, but a surprise ingredient will make this science activity even more exciting!

It’s always a hit with the kids. So grab a few household supplies and give this lava lamp science activity a try!

Lava Lamp Science Experiment

As part of our science lessons this school year, we are trying out all kinds of really neat science experiments and activities. This lava lamp experiment tops the list!

*Disclaimer: Adult supervision is required for this experiment. You must supervise your children at all times while doing it.  Do not allow children to put any of the items in their mouth and do not do this experiment if your children still put things in their mouth.

Both of my kids had a blast with this. We’ve actually done it several times and with all different colors, but it never ceases to amaze them. It’s almost shocking how long they will engage with it.

One great thing about this science experiment is that you only need a few supplies and your probably already have most of them in your home or classroom.

Lava Lamp Experiment

Supplies Needed:

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• Vegetable Oil
• Food coloring – primary colors or neon
• Original Alka Seltzer tablets

To begin, color about 1/2 cup of water with food coloring. I like using these gel food colors for vibrant coloring.

Take the Alka Seltzer tablets and break them into 2 or 3 pieces. Place them in a small cup or container.

Fill a glass about 3/4 full with vegetable oil. Then pour in the colored water until the liquid in the cup is about 1-2 inches from the top.

You don’t want it to overflow! Well, unless you want to turn it into an eruption experiment too. For this reason and quick cleanup, I like to do this on a tray.

Add pieces of the Alka Seltzer tablet to the cup. *DO NOT let kids put the tablet in their mouth at any time.

Why this Science Experiment Works

The water and oil do not mix and the oil doesn’t change color because the food coloring is water soluble. The Alka Seltzer reacts with the water to make bubbles of carbon dioxide.

The bubbles attach themselves to the blobs of colored water and bring them to the top of the glass. When the bubbles pop the blobs of colored water fall back to the bottom of the glass.

This lava science experiment is sure to WOW your kids. They may even ask you to do it over and over again like mine did!

Video of Lava Lamp Experiment

Winter Lava Lamp Experiment!

This Blizzard Lava Lamp experiment is super cool! Your kids will love exploring colored water and oil with a winter twist!

Our kids were so excited because it looked like a blizzard was going on inside the glass. They had a blast with this fun science activity!

Benefits of Science Experiments with Kids

Science experiments help foster curiosity, ignite children’s imagination and help nurture a love for learning! It’s a great way for kids to develop fine motor skills, problem solving and analytical thinking while having fun and being creative!

From colorful chemical reactions to mesmerizing physics your kids will have a blast learning.

1. Hands-On Learning

When young kids actively engage in experiments, they grasp complicated concepts more easily. The tactile nature of experiments allows them to visualize abstract ideas, fostering comprehension that traditional teaching methods might struggle to achieve.

2. Cultivating Critical Thinking

Through engaging in science experiments, children refine their skills in observing, analyzing, and incorporating new information.

3. Fostering Creativity

Science experiments often involve a degree of unpredictability. When children witness unexpected outcomes, they are prompted to think creatively and to experiment with new strategies. This nurtures an environment of innovation, where they learn that failure is not a setback, but rather an opportunity to learn!

4. Building Confidence and Self-Esteem

As kids conduct experiments and have successful results, their confidence grows. This newfound confidence will have a positive ripple effect, encouraging them to tackle new challenges with enthusiasm and perseverance.

5. Real-Life Application

Science experiments bring scientific theories to life, showcasing how the principles are applied in real-world situations.

6. Improved Fine Motor Skills

Engagement in science experiments is a fun way for kids to work on fine motor skills. They will be accomplishing a variety of tasks using their hands, while learning and having a great time.

7. Bonding and Collaborative Learning

Science experiments can become wonderful bonding experiences for families, friends, and classmates. Whether it’s a family project or a group activity in the classroom, kids will develop connections and create great memories.

Science experiments offer amazing benefits for kids while being fun and engaging!

Other Fun Science Experiments

Grow a Rainbow  with this fun science experiment! This is quick to setup and you just need markers, a paper towel and two cups of water!

Try this super simple  Oobleck recipe  that only requires two household ingredients!

If your kids love this oobleck activity, they will absolutely love the  Dinosaur Dig Excavation  activity!

This rainbow  Walking Water Science Experiment  is one of our most popular science activities!

This  rain cloud jar science experiment  gives children a chance to explore clouds and rain in a fun and engaging way.

Explore chromatography with this fun  chromatography science experiment  for kids!

How to Make a Rocket with Alka Seltzer

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Making a rocket with Alka Seltzer is, as you can imagine, a favorite activity for students!

Plus, it’s a simple and inexpensive activity. We recently gathered with a few friends and the kids had a great time using recycled water bottles to make a rocket with Alka Seltzer.

And, best of all mini rockets launched with Alka Seltzer have built-in physics and chemistry lessons. Let’s don’t just read about Newton’s Third Law of Motion, let’s launch it into action!

We will also show you how we took this activity further and turned it into an experiment.

In the first part of this post, we will cover the straightforward instructions for making a rocket with Alka Seltzer. I’ll go into how you can turn this into more of a chemistry experiment to help your children learn about endothermic chemical reactions.

How to Make a Rocket with Alka Seltzer – A Brief History of Antacids

Science paired with history can make for some fascinating conversations! 

The early antacids were not called antacids; however, there were remedies based on natural ingredients.

In our research on this, the earliest record of an antacid was in 350 BC. The Sumerians used natron, a mineral salt found in dried lake beds. It consisted of hydrated sodium carbonate. This substance was used as a cleaning substance to make glass and preserve mummies. Wow! It’s amazing what you learn doing a little research.

In 1887 Johnson and Johnson came out with a stomach-settling product containing papaya extract. Their product was called Papoid and sold until the 1950s.

In 1931 Alka Seltzer was introduced. Since then, it’s been settling upset stomachs, relieving headaches, and launching thousands of little pop rockets!

Make a Pop Rocket with Alka Seltzer

Make a pop rocket with alka seltzer, water, and a few other items. Test different variables such as liquid temperature, launch angle, launch height, and more.

• Alka Seltzer (Have plenty on hand, this is a very fun experiment!)
• Water, vinegar, and any other liquids you want to test
• Empty water bottle
• Launch "Pad". We used an empty plastic container. See the photos.
• Protective eye wear
• Cork that fits in the water bottle but isn't too too tight and isn't so loose the liquid runs out.
• Safe, open area for launching the rocket
• Optional: Stickers for decorating the rockets
• Measuring tape, pencil, and worksheets for measuring distance. You may opt to have your students make less precise notes and observations.

Instructions

• Determine what liquids you are going to test. Will they be hot vs cold?
• Identify your launch area and clear the surrounding area of objects, people, pets. Always point the rocket away from people, buildings, and animals.

• Head out to the launch area. Everyone but the person launching the rocket should stand a safe distance away.

• Take measurements if you are being precise. We knew we couldn't get too precise, so we put our markers where the rockets landed and then measured after we were finished.

We had over 40 Alka Seltzer tablets and used them all. We tested Sprite, vinegar, hot water, hold water, and hot coffee.

Testing Variables When Making a Rocket with Alka Seltzer

If you’d like to extend this activity into an experiment rather than just a cool activity, there are some variables that can be tested. The rockets and the endothermic experiment listed after the rocket instructions, are good opportunities to teach about dependent, independent, and control variables.

If you download the accompanying printable for these activities and experiments, you’ll get a printout you can use that covers these variables and has recording sheets for data collected.

When we did our rockets, we did change the water temperature and the liquid we used. These are our independent variables. We were testing whether the temperature of water affects the distance traveled. We were also testing the type of liquid – hot water vs hot coffee (We kept the temperature the same).  You can also test 3 crushed tablets vs 2 crushed tablets or shaking 5 times vs. not shaking.

Our launches included testing various liquids and various temperatures of liquids:

• Hot water (heated in the microwave for a few minutes)
• Cold water from the refrigerator
• Room temperature water
• Just-brewed coffee
• Room temperature vinegar

You can look at:

• Cutting up the tablets vs. leaving them as solid tablets
• Changing the temperature of the water  hot vs cold, room temp vs cold hot vs room temp
• Changing the type of liquid used, other than water – vinegar, vegetable juice, orange juice, Sprite, coffee
• Shaking the tablets and water before launch or not shaking

Variables we did control (or tried to) when measuring distance traveled as consistently as possible:

• Launching form the same table height
• Launching with the same surrounding wind speed
• Placing our launch “pad” on the same spot on the launch table
• Using the same amount of Alka Seltzer. This was difficult to do, and we discussed ways we could improve this process by really crushing the tablets with a rolling pin and using a funnel.
• Using the same shake-cork-place in box process.

We did crush our tables from the start. Although, getting all of the pieces in the bottle was a challenge. We tried a funnel, but pieces got stuck. We did brainstorm ideas for better control and consistency. One suggestion was to crush the Alka Seltzer with a rolling pin and using a funnel to pour it in the bottle.

There are two recording sheets, one each for the rocket activity and the endothermic reaction activity. Again, choose how much of this activity you want to do. Make it as formal or informal as you like.

You may not want to use any recording sheet and informally measure how far each rocket went. Did the hot vs. cold water go farther? Did shaking more or less affect height and distance?

There is no right or wrong way to organize this activity. However, it is important to teach about dependent variables, independent variables, and control variables. So, you might want to take this further by completing the endothermic reaction experiment below.

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A Few Notes of Prep for Your Alka Seltzer Rockets

You will need:

• Empty water or 16-ounce soda pop bottles
• Stickers for decorating the rockets. We decided not to go with adding straws or other decorations that could fly off into an eye.
• Cork or bottle stopper, but make sure it forms a good seal; but will come off when you pull on it. You shouldn’t have to really work to get it un-stopped.
• Alka Seltzer tablets – We bought ours at the dollar store. Important: Figure out what you think you’ll need, then multiply it by 10! So, consider what you think you might need and plan for three tablets per launch—plan for test runs and extra ideas your children will want to test.

The process:

• Remember, science and STEM is about testing ideas, and what you think might or might not happen. Allow time and material for your children to take ownership of this activity and want to test a few changes in variables.
• Your launch area must be outside.
• Everyone must wear eye protection.
• Do not point the bottles at anyone or any animal; point away from structures or cars. A big wide open area with no one and no buildings around is best.
• Students will need to move quickly.
• Try to get as much of the Alka Seltzer in the bottle. Put the top on quickly, pointing AWAY from everyone.
• Use a launch “pad” – we used a deep plastic container.

How to Make a Rocket with Alka Seltzer – A Brief Explanation of the Chemistry and Physics

The physics behind rockets made with alka seltzer.

There is a lot of physics involved with this activity and experiment. Rockets launched with Alka Seltzer are an excellent example of the action-reaction principles of Newton’s Third Law of Motion: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction . 

When the chemical reaction happens between the water and Alka Seltzer, carbon dioxide is produced and causes pressure within the stopped-up bottle. When the bottle cannot hold anymore, the cork pops off and the bottle shoots into the air.

The bottle rocket travels upward with a force that is equal and opposite to the downward force that propelled the water, carbon dioxide, and cork.

Let’s Look at the Chemistry of Rockets Made With Alka Seltzer

Alka Seltzer contains three active ingredients:  acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), and anhydrous citric acid.

The citric acid interacts with the sodium bicarbonate and water to form the bubbles or effervescence.

Let’s review a few basics. A chemical reaction occurs when molecules either form bonds or break bonds.

Before the reaction, the chemicals we begin with are referred to as the reactants. Then, once the reaction occurs, the chemicals that are produced as a result of the reaction are called products.

The starting chemicals before a reaction are called the reactants , and the chemicals produced are called the products . The reaction in this activity involves using sodium bicarbonate and citric acid to produce water and carbon dioxide.

The Alka Seltzer consists of sodium bicarbonate, which is a base, and citric acid, which is an acid. They do not react with one another when they are as dry tablets.

However, when we put them in water, the sodium bicarbonate and the acetic acid are released and can react.

They have to be able to react with the right amount of energy and at a right angle. This happens in the water, but if you change a few variables, this reaction occurs more quickly.

We’ll be testing some variables in this activity and experiment.

So, carbon dioxide is released when the sodium bicarbonate (the base) mixes with the acidic acid (the acid), which is indicated by the bubbles produced. The water helps release them from their solid form (the Alka Seltzer tablet).

What happens if we use something other than water or a liquid that is water and something else, like soda pop, vinegar, or coffee (which we tested)?

Endothermic Experiment with Alka Seltzer

Before enjoying the rocket part of this activity, you can do a quick endothermic reaction demonstration.

Or you may opt to do this after. Everyone is always excited to get right to the rockets!

If you want to read more about endothermic reactions in detail, check our post here.

In an endothermic reaction, heat is absorbed at the same time the chemical reaction is taking place. This means that the liquid in the beakers should be cooler after the Alka Seltzer is dissolved in the water or vinegar used in this portion of the experiment. Let’s test this out.

Note: I didn’t give an explanation of endothermic, as it is covered here .

What you need to gather:

• Hot water (we put tap water in the microwave for 65 seconds
• Cold water that has been in the refrigerator a few hours
• Any other liquids that students may want to test
• 1 Alka Seltzer tablet per beaker or glass container you are using
• Thermometers that will withstand up to 180 degrees F (We had a broken lab thermometer during our first run of this activity, so we used a candy thermometer 🙂 )
• Measure 100 ml of hot water into a beaker and 100 ml of cold water into a second beaker. This is a great time to teach your children to properly read the meniscus when measuring liquids.
• Place a thermometer in each and let sit for a minute. Record the temperature on the lab sheet.
• Have one person drop a tablet into both beakers at the same time, while someone starts a stopwatch (use a phone). If you have enough helpers, start two stop watches and stop one of them when the first tablet to dissolve is done dissolving.
• Call out when the first tablet is dissolved, stop that stop watch if you are using two stopwatches, and have someone record the time.
• Stop the stopwatch when the second table is dissolved.
• If you are recording, write the time for the second stopwatch on the lab sheet.
• Next, put the thermometers in the liquids, watch the temperature move, and at about a minute, record the temperatures. What happened to the temperatures?
• Wash out the beakers thoroughly and run the next test, repeating the steps above.
• Record all results and answer the discussion questions on the sheet.

I urge you to try room temperature water and vinegar.

Look at the results of each trial on the lab sheet. What do you notice about each?

How does temperature affect the dissolution rate of the Alka Seltzer?

Doe more acidic liquids react faster, slower than water?

If you do want to delve more into the endothermic reaction, check out this post .

Don’t forget to download our recording sheets, where we briefly cover dependent, independent, and control variables with some practice scenarios too.

I hold a master’s degree in child development and early education and am working on a post-baccalaureate in biology. I spent 15 years working for a biotechnology company developing IT systems in DNA testing laboratories across the US. I taught K4 in a private school, homeschooled my children, and have taught on the mission field in southern Asia. For 4 years, I served on our state’s FIRST Lego League tournament Board and served as the Judging Director.  I own thehomeschoolscientist and also write a regular science column for Homeschooling Today Magazine. You’ll also find my writings on the CTCMath blog. Through this site, I have authored over 50 math and science resources.

Imagination Station will be OPEN on Independence Day

Thursday, July 4, from 10-5pm

Alka-Seltzer Rockets

Film Canister Rockets are a favorite experiment at Imagination Station.

One of the best things about this activity is that you can do it at home and you can design some pretty sophisticated experiments around it. We start with the materials and how to make them fly, then we go on to explore the science behind Film Canister Rockets and finally we link it to how real rockets work.

Here's what you need:

Paper or index cards

Film canister (Fuji film canisters work the best, see picture)

Paper Towels

Effervescing antacid tablet (Alka-Seltzer)

Watch or timer

What to do:

Wrap and tape a tube of paper around the film canister. Invert the canister so that the lid lies flat on the table.

Cut fins from the index cards and tape them to the rocket.

Make a nose by cutting a circle out of paper. Cut out a pie shape from the circle and twist the paper into a cone. Tape the cone together then tape it on the open end of the paper tube.

Turn the rocket upside down and fill the canister 1/3 full with water.

Drop in a 1/2 tablet of Alka-Seltzer and snap the lid on tight.

Quickly stand the rocket upright (lid on the table) and stand back! CAUTION: Be careful when launching your rocket. Stand back and don’t point it at anyone.

Make sure you time how long it takes for your rocket to return to earth! This can help you a lot especially if you decide to try an experiment (See the ‘What would happen if’ ideas below).

What’s going on?

As the antacid tablet fizzes, carbon dioxide is released inside the canister. Pressure from the gas builds and eventually pops the lid off. The thrust, or push, of your rocket is related to how much pressure built up inside the canister before the top popped off.

What would happen if…

You change the design of your rocket?

You use more or less fuel (effervescing tablets and water)?

You use hot or cold water?

Remember that when you are conducting experiments you only want to change one thing at a time. Keep everything else the same in order to see how the thing you changed (or the variable) affects the outcome. In this case your rocket going up into the air.

If you try some of these experiments or others with the Film Canister Rocket activity please let us know! Post a comment to our  Facebook page  about which variable (water temperature, fuel or design) you changed and how it affected your rocket!

What is happening inside that film canister?

First of all, we all know that the most common effervescing tablet used in a film canister rocket is Alka-Seltzer. In fact, the company that makes Alka-Seltzer is so proud of the fact that it can be used in science experiments they have a whole page on their  website  dedicated to it! Not to rain on the Alka-Seltzer science parade but, just between us, the generic brands also work perfectly well for this activity and it saves some moolah!

When you mix these effervescing tablets with water, a chemical reaction takes place between the citric acid and sodium bicarbonate contained in the tablet and the water. This chemical reaction creates many, many bubbles of carbon dioxide gas. Citric acid is a weak acid and is in the juice of most citrus fruits like lemons or limes. Sodium bicarbonate is, well, basically baking soda. (Has this reminded anyone of another great science experiment that uses a weak acid and baking soda? That’s right, baking soda and vinegar [acetic acid] produce the same reaction when mixed together. Lot of bubbles of carbon dioxide gas!)

You already know what happens when you combine this chemical reaction with a film canister, when it pops, it goes up!

Why does your rocket go up?

It goes up because gas is building and building in the closed film canister and since the lid is the weakest point of the canister, the lid pops off and all that gas comes rushing out of the end of the canister. This action can be explained using  Newton’s Laws of Motion , more specifically it is an example of Newton’s Third Law of Motion – “Every action has an equal and opposite reaction”. The gas rushing out of one end of the canister (the action) causes your rocket to move in the opposite direction (the reaction). This is exactly how all rockets work whether you use an effervescing tablet as your fuel or a chemical rocket propellant like they do at NASA.

How do the NASA rockets work?

Quite simply, rockets are how NASA can get all those amazing missions off the ground. These rockets use a pressurized fuel and an oxidizer. The oxidizer is something that allows the fuel to burn without using outside air. (Can you think of a reason why this might be important? Write your answer in the comment box below!) The fuel, in a gaseous state, is pressurized because this forces it out the end of the rocket just like our Film Canister Rocket! However, there are a few more parts to an actual rocket.

The fuel used in the rockets like the ones that help the space shuttles enter space use liquid hydrogen as the fuel and liquid oxygen as the oxidizer. You may be saying to yourself, “I thought they just said that the fuel is in the gaseous state not liquid?”. You are right, the fuel and oxidizer are only in these liquid states when they are in the holding tanks and they can only stay in this liquid state at extremely low temperatures. The fuel and oxidizer are allowed to combine within the combustion chamber and as the burn they turn into a gas (gases take up about 1,000 times more space than a liquid) this causes the intense pressure. It is exactly like our Film Canister Rocket, the carbon dioxide builds up and puts intense pressure on the canister so the lid pops off. In the case of our shuttle rocket the fuel and oxidizer burn, are put under intense pressure and are released not by the popping off of a lid but through a tiny hole on the bottom of the combustion chamber called a nozzle. If you want to watch a mind bending video that is connected to the Film Canister Rocket activity watch  Alka-Seltzer added to Spherical Water Drop in Microgravity .

We hope we were able to answer your questions about rockets but if not stop into Imagination Station and we would be happy to talk more about them!

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Blow up a balloon with Alka Seltzer – valentine style

January 19, 2016 By Emma Vanstone 2 Comments

This fun Valentine’s Day themed science experiment is a fun twist on the traditional blowing up a balloon with alka seltzer activity.

The idea is that you add something that produces gas to a bottle with a balloon on top. The gas first fills the bottle and then the balloon, blowing it up.

It’s a great way to demonstrate how gases spread out to fill all the available space!

I used an Alka Seltzer, but effervescent vitamin tablets also work really well.

How to blow up a balloon with alka seltzer

What you need

Small bottle

Alka seltzer

Felt tip pen/sharpie

Blow up the balloon first and then let the air out, and draw a small heart on the balloon.

Fill the bottles or jars with water, leaving a gap at the top.

Drop the Alka Seltzer into the bottle and quickly place the balloon on the top.

Watch as the balloon blows up and your heart grows.

Extension tasks

Can you think of anything else you could use instead of Alka Seltzer? We tried to blow up a balloon with popping candy with some interesting results, but baking soda and vinegar would be another good investigation.

Why does the balloon blow up?

Alka Seltzer contains sodium bicarbonate ( baking soda ) and citric acid. When you drop a tablet into water, it forms sodium citrate, water and carbon dioxide, which are the bubbles of gas you see. The bicarbonate of soda reacts with the citric acid, this is an acid–base reaction just like we see when we add vinegar to baking soda.

Acid-Base Reactions

 If you place an  acid and a  base  together, they react to neutralise each other, producing a salt. The H(+) cation of the  acid  combines with the OH(-) anion of the base to form water.

More experiments using alka seltzer

Make a fizzy lava lamp . These are great as they can be used over and over again.

A  film canister rocket is a brilliant science activity. They fly up with a lot of force, so remember to stand back!

Last Updated on February 1, 2024 by Emma Vanstone

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

January 27, 2016 at 8:36 pm

What a fun activity , I think I will try this out with my daughter as she will be amazed. Thank you for the idea x

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Activity – Fizz Race

By Veronica I. Jaramillo

Safety Suggestions

• Ask an adult for permission to do the activity and for help when necessary.
• Read all directions and safety recommendations before starting the activity.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (safety glasses, at a minimum), including during preparation and clean up.
• Tie back long hair and secure loose clothing, such as long sleeves and drawstrings.
• Do not eat or drink food when conducting this activity.
• Clean up and dispose of materials properly when you are finished with the activity.
• Thoroughly wash hands after conducting the activity.
• Caution: hot liquids!
• Do not eat or drink any of the materials used in this activity.

Disposal:  All liquids and solutions can be poured down the drain with running water. Solid waste can be disposed of in the trash.

Introduction of activity

Alka-Seltzer is a common antacid used to relieve an upset stomach. Alka-Seltzer and other fizzing tablets produce carbon dioxide-filled bubbles when placed in water. As the carbon dioxide is produced, you can see bubbles grow and float to the surface of the water. You may even be able to hear the bubbles as they pop.

Let’s see how you can make the fizzing reaction of Alka-Seltzer tablets go faster or slower. We can monitor the formation of carbon dioxide by hearing the fizz and seeing how long it is produced. 

• 6 Alka-Seltzer Gold tablets
• Room temperature water, 125 mL
• Cold tap water, 125 mL (about ½ cup)
• Hot tap water, 125 mL
• Vinegar, 375 mL (about 1½ cups)
• 6 clear plastic or glass cups or Ziplock bags
• Stopwatch or stopwatch app that can measure seconds
• Measuring cup ½ cup (250 mL)
• 1 piece of scrap paper (wax or parchment paper works too)

Prepare for the activity

• Pour 125 mL (about ½ cup) of vinegar into each of 3 clear cups or bags. Vinegar simulates the excess acid in the stomach.
• Unwrap 3 packets of Alka-Seltzer tablets so that there are 6 tablets.
• Fold one piece of scrap, wax, or parchment paper in half. 

Part 1. How does the tablet surface area affect how fast or slow the reaction will occur?

Whole Tablet:

• As you start the stopwatch, drop one Alka-Seltzer tablet in the first cup of vinegar.
• Stop the time when the bubbling ends and record this time in the chart.

Broken Tablet:

• Place an Alka-Seltzer tablet between the pages of a piece of folded paper near the crease. Use the bottom of the measuring cup to press on the tablet and break it into about 6-8 pieces.
• As you start the stopwatch, slide the Alka-Seltzer tablet pieces down the crease of the paper into the second cup of vinegar.
• Stop the time when the bubbling ends.

Powdered Tablet:

• Using the same piece of folded paper, place an Alka-Seltzer tablet inside the pages near the crease. Use the bottom of the measuring cup to press and crush the tablet into a fine powder.
• As you start the stopwatch, slide the powdered Alka-Seltzer down the crease of the paper into the third cup of vinegar.
• Stop the time when the bubbling ends. 

Part 2. How does temperature affect how fast or slow the reaction will occur?

• Add 125 mL (approximately ½ cup) of hot tap water to the first clean clear cup, 125 mL of room temperature water to the second clean cup, and 125 mL of cold water in the third clean cup. Use an oven mitt or potholder when handling the hot tap water.
• As you start the stopwatch, place one whole Alka-Seltzer tablet into each of the three cups of water.
• Compare the amount of bubbling in each cup. Write the time the bubbling ends in each cup in the chart. 

Observations

Part 1.  Surface Area data table

Describe what you heard and saw. How vigorous was the bubbling?

Part 2. Temperature data table

• From your observations in Part 1, what change to the surface area made the reaction go faster?
• From your observations in Part 2, how did the temperature change affect how fast the reaction occurred? 

How does it work?

Alka-Seltzer reacts with an acid to make carbon dioxide gas. When you added the tablet to the vinegar or water, you heard fizzing and saw bubbling. If the reaction is going faster, then it will take less time to finish and will fizz more vigorously.

The speed of a reaction depends on the number of collisions between molecules. The carbon dioxide forms when two key ingredients in these tablets, citric acid and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), dissolve in water and then randomly collide into each other in just the right way. The sodium bicarbonate must collide with the acid to make the carbon dioxide gas. When surface area is increased, the citric acid and sodium bicarbonate dissolve better and faster in water. When these dissolved particles collide, the chemical reaction happens. More dissolved particles leads to more collisions and a faster reaction. In your trials, when was the surface area the largest? Did the rate go faster?

Temperature also affects the rate of a reaction. When temperature is increased, molecules move faster, so it is likely there will be more collisions in the same amount of time. Think about a class of students entering a room. If they walk, there is less chance that they will bump into another student, but if all the students are running into the room it is very likely there will be some collisions between students. In your trials, did the hot or cold water finish first?

Using what you learned about changing the rate of chemical reaction, what would you do if you wanted to make the reaction with Alka-Seltzer happen even faster than your fastest recorded time? What could you try if you wanted to make it happen slower than your slowest recorded time?

Veronica I. Jaramillo, Ph.D. is the Natural Science Department Cair at Pasadena City College.

Alka Seltzer® is a registered trademark of Bayer HealthCare LLC.

In this Issue

Fast or Slow ... Chemistry Makes It Go! Activity – Chemistry Goes Pop! Enzymes: Moving at the Speed of Life Activity – Slowing Apple Browning Need Clean Air, Quick? Catalytic Converters to the Rescue! That's One Fast Reaction! Meg A. Mole Interview with Dr. Francisco Zaera Activity – Slow the Glow  Dynamite and the Ethics of its Many Uses

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Science Fun

Pop Rocket Chemical Reaction Science Experiment

Learn how to make a pop rocket in this quick, super fun, and easy chemical reaction science experiment. This is a new spin on the traditional Alka-Seltzer film canister pop rocket experiment. Since the old film canisters are getting harder to come by, we will use a Mini M&Ms tube to perform this chemical reaction science experiment. 

• Empty Mini M&M’s tube. These are readily available at grocery and convenience stores and come in a variety of cool colors. 
• Alka-Seltzer tablets

Instructions:

• Find an area outside that is easy to clean up and can get a little messy.
• Look up and make sure there is nothing that can get hit and broken above where you plan to launch your pop rocket. 
• Use the scissors to cut the little plastic tab that acts as a hinge for the tube lid.
• Break an Alka-Seltzer tab in half and put it in the tube.
• Fill the tube about 3/4 of the way full with water.
• Quickly snap on the lid and set your pop rocket on the ground upside down (on its lid). 
• Step back a few feet.
• Watch and wait for the chemical reaction to cause your pop rocket to launch into the air. 

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How it Works:

The water causes a chemical reaction to occur when the dry ingredients in the Alka-Selzer tablet, citric acid and sodium bicarbonate, dissolve and create carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide builds up pressure until it causes the lid to “pop” off and launch the pop rocket into the air. 

Make This A Science Project:

Test different amounts of Alka-Seltzer tablet and observe and record any noticeable differences. Try different liquids. Try different containers. Test different amounts of water. Add fins to your tube to see if this cause the pop rocket to travel at a different speed or distance. 

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