Alka Seltzer Rocket Eruption Science Activity

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. We love homemade science experiments and STEM activities anyone can try out.

Make a Quick and Easy Alka Seltzer Rocket

Oh boy! Get ready for some fun with this Alka Seltzer Rocket. EASY set up and simple to do. Your kid will be asking you to repeat it over and over again. I know, mine did! This Alka Seltzer rocket is super cool science with household ingredients. Learn and play at home. Perfect for school too.

Alka Seltzer Rocket Set Up

*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.

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

Alka Seltzer tablets
Water
Small cannister about the size of a film container. What we are using is actually from the dollar store and sold in packages of 10. A rocket for everyone!

Steps to Make Your Alka Seltzer Rocket

We tried it a few different ways and reused 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 canister about 2/3 full with water

Step 2: Drop in 1/4 of a tablet

Step 3: Tightly cap the canister {this is crucial to the success and you have to work fast}

Step 4: Turn upside down and place on flat surface

{outside might be best unless you have open space and don’t mind the water!}

Step 5: Stand back with protective eyewear 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!

Alka Seltzer Rocket Science

It’s all about the chemical reaction between the tablet and the water. When the chemical reaction takes place, carbon dioxide is released. We tried it first without the lid to see what would happen! 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! Check out Steve Spangler Science for more!

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

Capturing an Alka Seltzer rocket 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.

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