A propeller pushes water backward and the opposite reaction moves the ship forward. You can make a ship go forward with energy. In this experiment, you will use baking soda and vinegar to make a boat that propels itself!
1Remove the label and wash out the bottle. Rinse out with soap and water, and leave out to air dry for a few hours.Ad
2Lay out the four squares of connected toilet paper so they're flat. Then fold the toilet paper in half to form a double layer of two pieces of toilet paper.
3Put one or two tablespoons of baking soda on the two connected toilet paper squares and spread out the powder. Then roll up the pieces of toilet paper so that no baking soda leaks out. Twist the ends to help.
4Add the marbles or pebbles in the bottom of the bottle so that the bottle sinks partway down in the water. Place the toilet paper with the baking soda on top of the bottle.
5Push the thumb tack or pushpin several times into the cap. Keep this handy beside you or have a friend hold it. Pour one quarter cup of vinegar into the bottle
6Quickly screw the lid on tightly and quickly. Shake up your boat and put it in the water to make it sail away!Ad
We could really use your help!
- Make sure the rocks aren't wet.
- Make sure that the baking soda does not leak out at any time during the experiment.
- A hot nail can be used instead of a pushpin or thumbtack.
- do not let the baking soda waste
Things You'll Need
- Baking soda
- Toilet paper
- 12-ounce empty plastic bottle with cap
- Thumbtack or pushpin
- A few marbles or pebbles