This experiment demonstrates how a build up in pressure can launch a rocket.
As we pump air through the water the pressure inside the bottle builds up until the force of the air pushing on the water is enough to push the cork out of the end of the bottle. The water rushes out of the bottle in one direction whilst the bottle pushes back in the other. This results in the bottle shooting upwards.
What you need
- an empty plastic bottle
- cardboard made into a cone and 4 fins
- a cork
- a pump with a needle adaptor
- water
Instructions
- Push the needle adaptor of the pump through the cork, it needs to go all the way through so you might have to trim the cork a little bit.
- Decorate the bottle with the cone and fins.
- Fill the bottle one quarter full of water and push the cork in tightly.
- Take the bottle outside and connect the pump to the needle adaptor. Ours wouldn’t stand up on the fins so we rested it on a table, but if you make some strong fins it should stand up by itself.
- Pump air into the bottle, making sure all spectators stand back, the bottle will lift off with force after a few seconds.
Warning!
Please make sure an adult is around as the rocket takes off very suddenly and forcefully as you can see in this video clip. Do not approach the rocket once you have started pumping even if it looks like nothing is happening.
The Science bit
Space rockets work in a similar way to the bottle, but instead of squirting water they burn fuel to make a powerful jet of hot gas. The force of the gas downwards pushes the rocket upwards.
Isaac Newton worked out the three laws of motion which describe how all objects move. The third law says:
‘for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction’
This is demonstrated by the bottle rocket.
Don’t forget you can follow Science Sparks on Pinterest and Facebook.
 |
What a lovely project! We’ll give it a go too, thanks for sharing:)
This is so fun! I was out searching for kid’s crafts to feature on Fun Family Crafts, a site similar to Craftgawker (but kid’s crafts only) when I came across this. I would love it if you would submit it! http://funfamilycrafts.com
great looking rocket and love learning through fun come see me at http://shopannies.blogspot.com
Oh WOW Emma and Kerry this is AWESOME!!! We will definitely be trying this amazing experiment out …. all for the children’s benefit of course (cough, cough).
Donna
This is so much fun, I used to do it with my 5th grade class. I’d love for you to stop by http://www.laughloveandcraft.com and link up to my Share the Wealth Wednesday Link Party! I’m your newest follower!
I popped along here from @liveotherwise blog carnival.
This looks like a LOT of fun; what a fantastic resource – thanks so much for sharing. I think my DD would love this
I missed the deadline but would love you to take a look at the 10 free Home Ed resources I listed on my site today: http://littlegreenblog.com/family-and-food/green-parenting/free-home-education-resources/
Thank you. We are very excited by it, and can’t wait to add to our growing collection of experiments!
I love stuff like this. My 7-year-old is our little scientist around here, and he is going to love this project!
It was brilliant! I’m so glad you liked it.
Water rockets are soooo much fun, but just a little scary
It was quite scary! We were lucky it didn’t go out of the garden! x
yay, this is fabulous – how fun & educational! Thanks for sharing on the Sunday Showcase!
Thank you!
That looks awesome. I learned the hard way not to go near projects like that after I did……. That was an unpleasant chemical burn and took a few days to stop stinging.
I’ll have to see if we have a hand pump anywhere.
ouch, sounds painful! The rocket was fantastic though.
The little blue cone makes the rocket look so much more exciting!!!
This is a great experiment that I think any kid would enjoy! Thanks for sharing with Learning Laboratory at Mama Smiles
We used to do this…so fun!
its great and so easy!
WHAT FUN! My kids will love this.
Thank you, my children thought it was fantastic
Love love love this experiment! Such fun! And love the Science Sparks look!
Thank you for sharing on Kids Get Crafty! Great to see you there!
Maggy & Alissa
This looks so much fun I can remember making them with my physics class. J would also love it. I love the new look to science sparks.
Thank you for linking up to Tuesday Tots
This is so cool. I can’t wait to try this with my kids!
We loved it!
Pingback: Space Exploration Experiment Kit | Science Sparks
Pingback: Red Ted Art's Blog » Blog Archive » Space & Galaxy Crafts for Kids
Pingback: The MAD Blog Awards Carnival – Fun | dorkymum
Looks like you had much more success at doing this than we did… http://www.littlesheep-learning.co.uk/blog/2012/bottle-rockets-balloon-hovercrafts/ nevermind they enjoyed the making the rocket even if it didn’t fly!
oh no. what happened?
Pingback: Kids crafts - rocket
Pingback: 10 Fun Ways to Play Outdoors - Housing a ForestHousing a Forest
WOAH! Look at that rocket go! Love this! I’ll be featuring this post as part of my Earth Day Activities for Kids: Upcycling roundup from the Weekly Kids Co-Op. xoxo P
Pauline recently posted…Handwriting Free Printable: Rainbow Writing {r}
oh wow, thank you.
Pingback: Weekend Reads 4.6.13 | Not Just CuteNot Just Cute
Found this through the parent pin it party and love it we must try this
Helen Sims The good life mum recently posted…How do you feel about a 2nd child