Rockets & Chemical Reactions
In this experiment, we went outside to launch rockets.
We had three launch pads made of Play Doh. To make a rocket, we got an empty plastic film can. We put in the fuel - water and a vitamin C tablet. We clicked on the lid and placed it lid first into the Play Doh. After a short countdown, the rockets blasted off into the air!
Next, we went inside to carry out a Chemical Reaction.
Our Science Question was: What is a chemical reaction? We put 4 spoons of baking soda powder into a plastic zip-lock bag. We placed a small cup of vinegar sitting in the bag. We squeezed the air out of the bag and we closed it.
What we saw happening was the mixture bubbling. The bag began to get fatter and fatter.
We had made a new substance that was not there before. This new substance was a clear, colourless gas and was filling up the bag. At first we thought it might be air. In fact, the gas was Carbon dioxide.
We found out that a chemical reaction was when two or more substances mix together to make a new substance.
The teacher showed us how Carbon dioxide could be used to put out a lighting candle. This is why some fire extinguishers have Carbon dioxide in them.