Parents Note:  Be sure to supervise your children for this activity.  The film canister explodes out of the launcher with enough force to cause an injury if kids are looking into the launcher.

Find gift ideas for the space enthusiast in your family.

1. Use the markers to make a design on the toilet paper tube (rocket launcher).
2. Tape the rocket launcher to the center of the plate.
3. Put the rocket fuel in the film canister (see note below).
4. Quickly put the lid on the canister, and drop it into the launcher, lid side down.
5. STAND BACK!
6. Rocket will launch (usually 10-20 seconds). 
   Be sure to wait at least a minute before checking on the rocket if it doesn't launch.

Rocket Fuel

• Vinegar and Baking Soda  - put 1 tbsp of vinegar in the film canister.  Hold it near the launcher and add 1/2 tsp baking soda.  Quickly snap the lid on and drop into the launcher lid side down.
• Alka-seltzer - Put 1 tbsp. water into the film canister.  Add 1/2 an alka-seltzer tablet and quickly snap on the lid.  Drop into the launcher, lid side down.

Note:  White camera film canisters work best due to how the lid snaps on.  Results may not be as good with other types of canisters.

Warning:  Parents, be sure to supervise your children when they are launching rockets!

Note for Parents:
Every parent must use their own judgment in choosing which activities are safe for their own children.  While Creative Kids at Home makes every effort to provide activity ideas that are safe and fun for children it is your responsibility to choose the activities that are safe in your own home.

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