Fizzing Film Canister Rockets

Melodie Kabashima

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Fizzing Film Canister Rockets

Understand chemical reactions

In this lesson, students will explore the concept of chemical reactions by creating fizzing rockets using film canisters, baking soda, and vinegar. This hands-on experiment will help students understand the basics of chemical reactions and gas production, fostering curiosity and engagement in scientific exploration.

Audience

5th Grade Students

Time

45 mins

Approach

Understand chemical reactions

Materials

Film canisters, Baking soda, Vinegar, Spoons, Measuring cups, Safety goggles, Worksheet: Fizzing Rockets Observation, and Discussion Guide: Chemical Reactions

Step 1

Introduction to Chemical Reactions

10 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what chemical reactions are.
Explain that a chemical reaction involves the transformation of substances into new substances.
Introduce the materials: baking soda and vinegar, and explain that they will be used to create a reaction.

Step 2

Experiment Setup

5 mins

Distribute materials to each group: film canisters, baking soda, vinegar, spoons, and measuring cups.
Ensure each student has safety goggles.

Step 3

Conducting the Experiment

15 mins

Instruct students to fill the film canister with a small amount of vinegar (about 1/3 full).
Add a spoonful of baking soda to the lid of the canister.
Quickly snap the lid onto the canister and place it upside down on the ground.
Step back and observe the reaction as the canister launches.

Step 4

Observation and Recording

10 mins

Have students use the "Fizzing Rockets Observation" worksheet to record their observations.
Encourage them to note the time it takes for the reaction to occur and the height the canister reaches.

Step 5

Discussion and Reflection

5 mins

Use the "Discussion Guide: Chemical Reactions" to facilitate a conversation about what happened during the experiment.
Discuss why the reaction caused the canister to launch and relate it to gas production and pressure build-up.

Step 6

Closure

5 mins

Recap the key points of the lesson: chemical reactions, gas production, and pressure.
Ask students to share one thing they learned or found interesting about the experiment.

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Worksheet

Fizzing Rockets Observation

This worksheet will guide students in recording their observations during the fizzing rocket experiment. Students will note the time taken for the reaction and the height reached by the canister.

Describe what you observed when the baking soda and vinegar reacted.

Think about the fizzing, the movement of the canister, and any sounds you heard.

How long did it take for the canister to launch after adding the baking soda?

Estimate the height the canister reached. Was it higher or lower than you expected?

Discussion

Chemical Reactions Discussion

This discussion guide will help facilitate a conversation about the chemical reactions observed during the experiment. It will encourage students to think critically about the process and results.

What do you think caused the canister to launch?

Guide students to discuss the role of gas production and pressure build-up.

How does this experiment demonstrate a chemical reaction?

Encourage students to identify the transformation of substances and the production of gas.

What other examples of chemical reactions can you think of?

Help students connect the experiment to real-world examples, such as baking or rusting.