NASA Glenn Videoconference: History of Rocketry
Pre-Conference Activity: Antacid Rocket Experiment

• One Cup of Water (H₂O)
• Several Antacid Tablets
• Film Canisters

  Fuji film canisters work best because they have an internal seal. Kodak canisters will not work because they have an external seal.

• Roll of paper towels or a pan (to catch expelled water)
• Pencil (used to vary the angle of your rocket)
• Eye protection
  
  

Instructions:

1. On a flat surface, spread the paper towels around the launch area to absorb any excess water from the rocket.
2. Place the film canister, open end up, in the center of the towels.
3. Fill the canister 1/8th - 1/4th full with water.
4. Place 1/2 of an antacid tablet into the canister and quickly replace the cap on the film canister. Make sure the canister is tightly closed. Then quickly place the film canister in the middle of the towels or in the pan, cap down. (The cap will serve as a launch pad.)
5. Stand back!! Within10-20 seconds, the canister will separate from the cap and propel up to 30 feet in the air.
   

Suggestions:

1. After a few practice launches, use the pencil to prop up one end of the canister to vary the launch angle.
2. Experiment with different amounts of water and different amounts of antacid tablets.
3. Be prepared to discuss the results of the activity with the presenter.

Bryan Palaszewski NASAGlenn Research Center Lewis Field, MS 5-10 21000 Brookpark Road Cleveland, OH 44135

216.977.7493 Voice Mail 216.433.5802 Fax E-mail: bryan.palaszewski@grc.nasa.gov Rocket Fuels and Propellants Web Site: http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/TU/launch/foctopsb.htm