Explosive Science: Film Canister Rockets

Melodie Kabashima

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Explosive Science: Film Canister Rockets

Understand chemical reactions and pressure

In this lesson, students will explore the principles of chemical reactions and pressure by creating film canister rockets. This hands-on experiment will demonstrate how gas production can propel objects, introducing key concepts in chemistry and physics. This lesson is important as it provides a practical understanding of scientific concepts, encourages curiosity, and enhances problem-solving skills. The lesson aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for 5th grade, specifically focusing on PS1.B: Chemical Reactions and PS2.A: Forces and Motion.

Audience

5th Grade Students

Time

45 mins

Approach

Understand chemical reactions and pressure

Materials

Film canisters, Alka-Seltzer tablets, Water, Measuring spoons, Safety goggles, Paper towels, Worksheet: Film Canister Rockets Experiment, Discussion: Chemical Reactions and Pressure, and Vocabulary List: Key Terms for Film Canister Rockets

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on chemical reactions and pressure.
Explain the experiment: creating rockets using film canisters, Alka-Seltzer tablets, and water.
Emphasize safety precautions, including wearing safety goggles.

Step 2

Experiment Setup

10 mins

Distribute materials to each group: film canisters, Alka-Seltzer tablets, water, measuring spoons, and paper towels.
Instruct students to fill the film canister with a small amount of water (about 1/3 full).

Step 3

Conduct Experiment

15 mins

Have students add an Alka-Seltzer tablet to the canister, quickly seal the lid, and place it on the ground with the lid facing down.
Step back and observe the reaction as the canister launches.
Encourage students to repeat the experiment, adjusting the amounts of water and the number of tablets to see how it affects the launch.

Step 4

Discussion

10 mins

Facilitate a discussion using the prepared questions about what happened during the experiment.
Discuss the chemical reaction between Alka-Seltzer and water, and how gas production creates pressure to launch the canister.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key concepts learned about chemical reactions and pressure.
Distribute the worksheet for students to complete as an exit ticket, reinforcing the lesson's objectives.

Step 6

Differentiation Options

5 mins

For students needing extra support: Provide step-by-step instructions with visuals, pair them with a peer mentor, and offer additional time for the experiment.
For advanced students: Challenge them to design their own experiment by altering variables such as the size of the canister or the type of effervescent tablet used.
For visual learners: Use diagrams and videos to illustrate the chemical reaction process.
For kinesthetic learners: Allow them to physically manipulate the materials and conduct multiple trials to explore different outcomes.

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Worksheet

Film Canister Rockets Experiment

This worksheet guides students through the experiment, helping them record observations and reflect on the results.

What materials did you use for the experiment?

List all the items provided for the rocket experiment.

Describe what happened when you mixed Alka-Seltzer and water in the canister.

Think about the reaction and the movement of the canister.

How did changing the amounts of water and Alka-Seltzer affect the rocket's launch?

Consider the height and speed of the launch.

Discussion

Chemical Reactions and Pressure

This discussion will help students understand the science behind the experiment and the concepts of chemical reactions and pressure.

What is a chemical reaction?

Discuss the process of substances changing into new substances.

How does the reaction between Alka-Seltzer and water create pressure?

Explore the production of gas and how it builds up pressure in a closed space.

Why do you think the canister launches when the pressure builds up?

Discuss the concept of force and how pressure can cause movement.

Reading

Key Terms for Film Canister Rockets

This vocabulary list includes key terms related to the film canister rocket experiment, helping students understand and use scientific language.

Chemical Reaction: A process where substances change into new substances.
Pressure: The force exerted by a substance in a closed space.
Gas Production: The creation of gas as a result of a chemical reaction.
Force: A push or pull that can cause an object to move.
Alka-Seltzer: A tablet used in the experiment that reacts with water.
Water: A liquid that reacts with Alka-Seltzer to produce gas.