Rocket Science

A baking soda rocket can teach a lot of science. 

In the 17th century, discoveries by great scientists contributed big gains to our knowledge of motion. Galileo Galilei discovered that moving objects don’t need the continuous application of force to continue moving, if there is an absence of friction and drag. Isaac Newton advanced Galileo’s discoveries formulating three basic laws foundational for all rocket science.

Newton’s Laws

First: Objects at rest remain at rest and objects in motion remain in motion in a straight line unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.

Second: The greater the mass of an object, the more force it will take to accelerate the object.

Third: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

What we know is a drop. What we don’t know is an ocean.

Isaac Newton

Teaching Rockets

You can explain to your student(s) that the first law tells us how a rocket, resting on the launch pad needs the exertion of an unbalanced force to make it move. The amount of that force (produced by rocket engines) needs to be greater than gravity that is holding the rocket. As long as that force continues to work, the rocket will fly upwards. When the engines stop producing force, the rocket will fall back to the ground. 

You can also use rocket science to teach about outer space. For example, the atmospheric drag (also called friction) is eliminated once the rocket reaches the space. The lessons are limitless.  

Materials needed

3, 2, 1, Blastoff!

Push the wooden dowel into the ground to make your launch pad (the dowel only needs to be taller than the bottle). Tape a straw to the side of your bottle.  When you are ready to launch, you will slide the straw over the dowel, with the bottom of the bottle facing up.

Check that your cork is a snug fit for the bottle. If it’s not, you can use duct tape to make it fit better. Decorate the bottle rocket as you wish.

Pour vinegar (3 to 6 ounces) into the bottle.

Place baking soda (1 – 2 teaspoons) on a small piece of paper towel. Wrap the baking soda with the paper towel to make a small burrito. Hang the burrito in the bottle above the vinegar with the string. 

Close the bottle with the cork. Shake it to start the reaction and place it upside down on the launch pad.  

Limitless God

Isaac Newton was widely recognized as one of the greatest mathematicians and physicists of all time and among the most influential scientists. He was a key figure in the philosophical revolution known as the Enlightenment. He once famously said, “What we know is a drop. What we don’t know is an ocean.” 

Science can teach us about our God, the creator of heaven and earth. It is important for us to learn and discovery as much as possible about his creation. My guess is that even rocket scientists never stop learning.

“If I go up to the heavens, you are there;  if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.”

Psalm 139:8

Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear

Also, see Why Algebra?