Alka Seltzer Rockets

Alka Seltzer Rockets are very simple. Cub Scouts create a paper Rocket Ship that will be placed on top of a film canister filled with a little water and a piece of Alka Seltzer. With the lid snapped on, the Alka Seltzer starts to fizz inside causing enough pressure to pop off the lid and “Blast” your rocket ship into the sky! Tons of fun and if supervised correctly by an adult.. for all Cub Scouts ages!

NEED THESE:
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> Materials ( one rocket, add materials for multiple rockets as needed )
> Adult Supervision for the little kids.
> 1 sheet of paper
> Rocket cut out template (click here for the cut out)
> Scotch tape
> Plastic film canister
> ½ tablet of plain Alka Seltzer
> Teaspoon of water
> Crayons, pencils/pens and stickers (optional to decorate rockets)

> Step # 1: Make your paper Rocket ship!
1. Use the rocket ship cut out template to create your rocket ship.
2. Color and sticker your newly create paper rocket ship.
3. Using the tape, tape your rocket ship to the film canister.
(suggestion: We do not recommend felt pens to color the rocket ships. The water will cause the ink to run making a big mess. Crayons and stickers are best)

> Step # 2: Create your “Launching pad Safety Zone:
1. When launching, safety is critical! Adult supervisors will cordon off an area (
generally a circle ) around the Alka Seltzer rockets to lift off. Only the Cub who is
launching his rocket is allowed in, and he is only allowed to set his rocket down
and then he must leave the circle to wait for the "blast off".
2. Rockets that appear to be "duds" are dangerous! These are rockets that
may still being building up pressure. Be careful, and they may go off as soon as
they are touched, so they must always be handled with care by an adult. Keep
the launch area safe and orderly.

> Step # 3: Launching the Rockets:
1. To launch the rocket, place about a teaspoon of water and a small piece (about
1/4 to 1/8 of a tablet) of Alka Seltzer in the canister, snap the lid on tight, place
the canister flat on the ground. The pressure will build up enough to pop the cap
off and send the rocket flying!

2. The timing is unpredictable, and the suspense is a big part of the fun.

Good Luck and have fun!



Contact Information:
Santa Cruz Cub Scouts Pack 618 Cub Masters can be reached via email at  http://www.bspack618.org All Pack 618 official information and announcements are posted and updated.