Alpha science classroom： Hybrid pasta rocket engine experiment

Have the kids ever wondered how a rocket actually gets into space? A rocket is big and heavy, so why does it have enough power to go all the way out to Earth? Well, in a nutshell, there are three types of rocket engines: solid-fuel, liquid-fuel, and hybrid. Today, the alpha science classroom and children will conduct a hybrid pasta rocket engine experiment together to unlock the scientific mystery of rocket fuel through this chemistry experiment for kids project. Through this kid's science experiments activity, we will help children to realize the first step of chasing the dream of spaceflight.

Alpha Science Classroom: hybrid pasta rocket engine experiment Materials needed

• Small jars

• Hydrogen peroxide

• Active dry yeast

• Uncooked tube of pasta (such as macaroni or spaghetti)

• Lighter or matches

• Adult supervision (adult supervision at all times)

Alpha Science Classroom: hybrid pasta rocket engine experiment, step-by-step tutorial

Step 1: First, the children will need to punch a hole no more than 1/8 inch in diameter in the middle of the jar lid. This can be done a few different ways, but we recommend using a drill or hammer and nail. Tip: This step needs to be done by an adult.

Step 2: Children fill the plum jar about 3/4 full with hydrogen peroxide, then add 1/4 teaspoon of dry yeast to the jar and stir gently.

Step 3: Children place the lid (with the hole in the middle) on top of the jar. Do not use the threaded part of the lid to secure the lid to the jar. The oxygen produced by the reaction between the hydrogen peroxide and the yeast creates a lot of pressure, so it is important that the lid is set just on the top of the jar to release the pressure.

Step 4: The children stand an uncooked spaghetti hollow on the lid so that the hole lines up with the space in the middle of the spaghetti.

Step 5: Children are required to make sure there are no flammable objects near this experimental setup!

Step 6: Use a lighter or a match to light the top of the spaghetti-like candle. It may take a little longer to hold the flame than a candle, but you will know it is lit because it looks a little like a torch.

Step 7: The kids watch the noodle burn steadily until it's all burned out. (It won't take off like a rocket, but it does show how a rocket engine works).

Alpha Science Classroom: hybrid pasta rocket engine experiment, Scientific Principles

Alpha science classroom shows kids how a rocket hybrid engine works by burning a solid fuel source (pasta) and a liquid oxidizer (hydrogen peroxide-yeast reaction) at the same time. Oxygen is fed into the combustion chamber (the hollow part in the middle of the pasta) where it is ignited (the flame you light) and burned steadily along the particles of the solid fuel source (the pasta).

This is a very, very simplified version of a hybrid engine, but of course, the real rocket is not powered by the noodles. With the right fuel, some valves and nozzles to direct the energy produced by burning the fuel, and on a larger scale, the hybrid engine has the thrust and power to propel the rocket into space.

The children's aerospace rocket was successfully ignited, which is a small step for the children to explore the mystery of the universe, but it can light up the children's dream of spaceflight. We hope that this special chemistry experiment for kids' activity in the alpha science classroom can help children understand the scientific mystery of aerospace rocket engines and help them fly to the amazing universe with simple kid's science experiments activities.

alpha science toys have prepared many amazing children's chemistry experiment kits and children's diy rocket kits to help children understand the science of chemistry and rockets, and help children learn knowledge and forge their own space dreams.