Learn

Well, not quite the rocket in the image, but the principles you discover in this experiment are exactly what drive NASA rockets and satellites into deep space or earth orbit. Be sure to have an adult present at all times, as this experiment involves using matches.

• Adult Supervision
• A 1 inch high by 2 inches long piece of aluminum foil
• A paper match from a matchbook
• A paperclip
• A long kitchen match

1. First, make sure that your aluminum foil has no holes in it. Then cut off one of the match heads, leaving as little of the paper as possible. Lay out the foil with the long side lying horizontally.
2. Now, place the head of the match onto the aluminum foil so that it is centered between the top and the bottom of the foil, but one quarter of the way into the width.
3. Unfold the paperclip, touching the tip of the paperclip to the match head. The rest of the paperclip should lie outside of the foil. Now, fold the shorter amount of foil over the paperclip and match head. Then wrap the foil around the package two or three times. Twist the foil around the paper clip arm while twisting the top tightly closed. Don’t tear the foil! Also, the paper clip must remain in contact with the match head.
4. The foil packet will be your rocket, while the paper clip serves as the launch pad. Find a safe non-flammable surface outdoors, and have an adult help you ignite the bottom of the foil with the long kitchen match. Do not put your fingers directly under the foil, for you might burn your self.

Va-va-va-voom!

What Happened:

The match head will be hot enough to cause ignition, and the vapors formed by the burning match will escape at high pressure. Their only means of escape will be the hole at the place where the paperclip enters the foil. If it doesn’t work the first time, try it again, and be sure to check that your foil has no holes and is sealed properly.