Students learn about food chemistry and chemical reactions in a classic carbonation experiment. Instructors should gather a two-liter bottle of of cola, a package of strong mints, such as Mentos, and a small toy rocket on an asphalt surface outside. Create a hole in the bottom of the rocket so it will fit tightly over the mouth of the cola bottle. Drop in four mints and quickly cover the bottle with the rocket. Observe the pressure build until it propels the rocket into the air.
Although clear film canisters are more difficult to locate than they used to be, they are the ideal tool for an experiment to illustrate the chemical reaction that produces gas vapor. Pour carbonated water into the canister until it is about 3/4 full. Immediately cap and shake vigorously, aiming the canister away from any people in the area until the lid is rocketed off the canister. Repeat the experiment, using 1/4 of an Alka-Seltzer tablet to simulate the vigorous shaking and filling the canister half-full of water. Time the length of the chemical reaction and record what happens. Experiment with different amounts of water to determine how to power the rocket for the greatest length of time.
A simple variation to the previous experiment will demonstrate the application of chemistry on the principle of thrust by simulating what occurs when a real rocket is launched. Cover one end of a paper towel tube with several layers of duct tape to seal. Break an Alka-Seltzer tablet into four pieces and fill a film canister halfway with soda water. Drop in one piece of the tablet, cap the film canister and drop it, lid-side down, into the cardboard tube. Aim it away from everyone and watch the rocket launch out of the tube. Discuss the molecular reaction occurring between the carbonated water and the seltzer tablet.
The chemical reaction between citric acid and baking soda is used in household cleaning products and also serves as the power source for a simple home rocket. Teachers should find a cork that will fit snugly in the mouth of a plastic water bottle. Fill the bottle 1 inch high with lemon juice and add water until just short of halfway full. Dump in 1 tsp. of baking powder, cork and shake gently to launch the cork rocket through the air.