Alka Seltzer Rocket Eruptions

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!

Make An Alka Seltzer Rocket

ALKA SELTZER FOR KIDS

Oh boy! Get ready for some fun with this Alka Seltzer Rocket. EASY set up 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.

ALKA SELTZER EXPERIMENT

*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.

YOU WILL NEED:

Alka Seltzer tablets
Water
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 SELTZER ROCKETS

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 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!

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 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 takes place, 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!

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.