Build a Film Canister Rocket

Engineering Design Challenge

In this lab experience, students design a film canister rocket that will fly at least one meter into the air using a specific ratio of reactants as fuel. Students will find that the mass difference between the rocket and the baking soda was a key factor in a successful launch. Sodium bicarbonate will be the limiting reactant when the mass is less than one gram since the volume of acetic acid remains constant. Students will also observe that the heavier rockets are slower to launch, but generally the most successful. This lab also helps students understand the importance of stoichiometry calculations because they are given a finite amount of sodium bicarbonate to use for three launches. They must plan carefully so they do not use up their allotment too quickly.