Cosmic Rocket kit.... now we're talking some serious fun!
Our kids are a wee bit on the small side for this kit, which basically means I got to have all the fun while they watched from the sidelines, and made the appropriate sound effects.
To construct the rocket was very easy, you have a launch pad, the rocket itself, some plastic fins to slide onto the rocket, a small measuring spoon and that's it.
Raiding the pantry I dug out my bottle of vinegar, and tin of baking soda, as the instructions mentioned. After reading some very important safety instructions first, (which was really all about using some common sense), I was ready to load the rocket for our first launch.
Place 4gms of baking soda into the launch pad (4 spoonfuls of the little spoon included in the kit). Then you need to measure out 30 mls (2 tablespoons) of vinegar. I put the vinegar into a jug first, then carried everything outside. Important tip #1: don't launch this rocket inside, it will damage your ceiling.
Not really sure what to expect from our first launch I followed the instructions to the letter. Pour the vinegar into the rocket chamber, then with the rocket tilted on it's side so the vinegar doesn't run out, attach the launch pad to the rocket. Important tip #2: don't shake the rocket as the instructions say, as this sets off the reaction between the vinegar and baking soda too quickly and it explodes in your hands, and you get covered...
After several false starts, and dry offs, I attached the launch pad to the rocket, tipped it upside down then placed it right side up on the grass, then I backed away quickly..... a few seconds later and.... we had lift off!... Important tip #3: be prepared to dive into the shrubs on rocket retrieval missions... as you'll probably find your kids won't volunteer for that one!
This rocket launches to some surprising heights, our third launch I thought would land on the roof of our two story house, but luckily it didn't.
Each launch we did of this rocket sent our kids into raptures.... with gleeful shouts of "again, again, again..."...
All in all, this kit is very cool! Take a look at one of our successful launch missions..
