Make a Rocket: Easy Rocket Science with a {Tea Bag} Homemade Rocket

To celebrate the 4th of July, we learned how to make a rocket.  It was fun and my kids learned a little bit about rocket science at the same time.  Kids Activities Blog hopes you have a little fun with your own homemade rocket this 4th of July.

*** NOTE: This activity involves fire so adult supervision is required ***

Make a Rocket

You will need some simple supplies to make a simple rocket.

• a tea bag
• scissors
• bowl {optional}
• plate
• match or lighter

Rocket Science

First, cut the top of the tea bag off.  Open up the tea bag.  Empty the loose tea into the bowl or simply empty it into the trash can because you don’t need the tea leaves at all.

Once the tea bag is a clean cylinder, stand it up on the plate.  Note: we found it impossible to do this experiment outside because even the slightest breeze blew the cylinder over on its side and the experiment doesn’t work if the cylinder isn’t upright.

Tea Bag

Next is the exciting part.  Light the top of the tea bag on fire.  It will burn rather quickly in a controlled manner.

As the tea bag gets consumed by the fire, it will gently rise up into the air and then simple extinguish itself.

Homemade Rocket

How does this work?

The fire creates hot air within the tea bag cylinder.  Hot air rises and thrusts the bag into the air.

Easy homemade rocket that is gentle and quiet!

I struggled with trying to capture our rocket in pictures so here is a quick video that I hope demonstrates its coolness a little better.

Have a great 4th of July!

More Kids Activities

This is a simple way to make a rocket for kids.  It makes for an easy introduction to rocket science while being exciting and fun at the same time.  For more kids activities with rockets, take a look at these ideas:

• Make a Rocket Launcher {and Other Fun Boy Activities}
• Alka Seltzer Rocket Science Experiment  
• Make a Homemade Rocket!