Inspired by watching the Artemis II launch this week, we decided to make our very own rocket propelled by a classic combination: baking soda and vinegar.

April 4th, 2026
Inspired by the Artemis II launch this week, the kids started researching how to create a rocket with everyday household supplies. They found this short video detailing how to create your own baking soda and vinegar rocket and we were all thrilled to find that it really worked!
Tape the 3 pencils to the top of the water bottle (the bottle will be launched upside down) to create a tripod base.
Roll the paper into a cone to create a nose guard. Tape to bottom of the water bottle to turn the bottom of the bottle into the top of your rocket. You can also color the paper or write the name of your rocket on this paper.
Make a baking soda burrito by pouring around a tablespoon of baking soda into a square of paper towel and folding the edges to keep the baking soda contained in a burrito-like shape.
Attach the baking soda burrito to the end of the cork using a piece of tape.
Prepare for launch! Find a place outside with plenty of space and a flat surface to be able to launch your rocket safely.
Pour roughly 1 cup of vinegar into the water bottle rocket.
Push the cork/baking soda burrito combo into the opening of the water bottle so the baking soda burrito is inside the bottle and the cork is closing the bottle completely.
Quickly flip the bottle over, set it on the pencil tripod launch pad and move out of the way! Get ready for 5-4-3-2-1 BLASTOFF!