Hi Marcy,
Unfortunately, we don’t have a printer friendly version for this activity.
I hope you’re still able to use it.
Warmly,
Ashley // Happiness Ambassador

Hmmm…. you may want to check your antacid tablets if they aren’t making any gases then there would be nothing to build up. If you place one of them in a cup of water and see bubbles forming then it is producing gas for sure. If the gas isn’t building up pressure in your container then the seal isn’t as tight as it needs to be. We had several of the smaller M&M tubes and one didn’t work because there wasn’t the best seal. We could hear an see the gasses leaking out one side of the seal. hope this helps!

You could get similar results using baking soda and vinegar. Fill the rocket with a small amount of regular white vinegar. Then add a spoonful of baking soda to the inside of the top. When ready, flip the top, quickly snap it in place, and place it upright to launch. If done correctly the baking soda will have mixed with the vinegar to create carbon dioxide gas. As more gas is formed it should pop and the rocket should launch.

Thanks Lisa! We used the smaller m&m container but I think both should work. The smaller the tube, the quicker the pressure will build, but I think using a whole tablet should create enough pressure in either.

I’m thinking it’s the container not the antacid tablets. We made 2 rockets with the m&m tube and one didn’t have a tight seal. Some of the gas leaked out and the pressure didn’t build enough to blast the top off. I’d try another container first and possibly doubling up in the tablets. Good luck!