Make Your Own Space Rocket

We explore our solar system through the use of many different tools. There are telescopes that help us to get a closer look at space while our feet remain firmly planted on the ground. There are satellites that are sent into space that are helpful in gathering and sending information. And then there are rockets or space capsules that send astronauts into space to explore things first hand. For young children it is the excitement of rockets and space exploration that peaks their interest in astronomy. In the paragraphs that follow, you will be able to read more about how you can make your own space rocket crafts to learn more about the expanses of space.

To make a rocket that really launches you will need a piece of paper, a plastic 35-mm film canister (this canister is important as it is usually exactly the same size in diameter to most antacid tablets, like the one you will need to have to make your rocket fly), cellophane tape, scissors, an effervescing (fizzing) antacid tablet, paper towels and water. You will also want to make sure that you have the appropriate safety materials handy such as a parent who can supervise and safety glasses.

Making the rocket is part of the fun because you get to decide exactly how your rocket will look based on how you decide to cut your paper. You may cut it to make a short rocket or cut it in a way that will make a long body of the rocket. Just make sure that you make the diameter the same size as the diameter of the film canister as it will need to fit snugly into the body of the rocket. You can try both and see which one flies better. You can also experiment with how you make the nose of the rocket. Try a sharp nosecone or a blunt nosecone. A nosecone can be made by making a circle out of paper and then rolling the circle onto itself so that it forms a cone. Once you have finished cutting out the paper for your rocket, wrap and tape the tube of paper around the film canister, making sure that you tape the canister lid-end down to the end of the paper before you start wrapping. If you would like you can make and tape fins to your rocket body at this point in the construction of your rocket. Next, roll out the circle cut-out for the nosecone and tape it to the rocket's top.

To send your rocket flying, the first thing that you will want to do is make sure that you are in a location that will allow for a safe launch. Launching your rocket outdoors and in a field away from trees and power lines is ideal You also want to put on your safety glasses at this point. Turn the rocket upside down and remove the canister's lid. Fill the canister one-third full of water. Drop one-half of an effervescing antacid tablet into the canister and quickly replace the lid tightly. As the pressure from the fizzing tablet builds, eventually it will become too much for the canister to hold and the rocket will take off when all that built up energy from the canister is released.

If you would like to experiment with other types of chemical reactions that result in a rocket blast-off, other combinations that have a powerful reaction are the combination of baking soda and vinegar and mentos (breath mints) with a diet drink. Use this craft as an activity to follow a lesson on astronomy, astronauts and space travel.

For more kids crafts, visit http://www.makeplaydough.com